The legend of Saint Barbara, Patron Saint of the Artillery

US Field Artillery Association ^ | August 11, 2001

[where's_the_Outrage?]

According to legend, Saint Barbara was the extremely beautiful daughter of a wealthy heathen named Dioscorus, who lived near Nicomedia in Asia Minor. Because of her singular beauty and fearful that she be demanded in marriage and taken away from him, he jealously shut her up in a tower to protect her from the outside world. Shortly before embarking on a journey, he commissioned a sumptuous bathhouse to be built for her, approving the design before he departed. Barbara had heard of the teachings of Christ, and while her father was gone spent much time in contemplation. From the windows of her tower she looked out upon the surrounding countryside and marveled at the growing things; the trees, the animals and the people. She decided that all these must be part of a master plan, and that the idols of wood and stone worshipped by her parents must be condemned as false. Gradually she came to accept the Christian faith.

As her belief became firm, she directed that the builders redesign the bathhouse her father had planned, adding another window so that the three windows might symbolize the Holy Trinity.

When her father returned, he was enraged at the changes and infuriated when Barbara acknowledged that she was a Christian. He dragged her before the perfect of the province, who decreed that she be tortured and put to death by beheading. Dioscorus himself carried out the death sentence. On his way home he was struck by lightening and his body consumed.

Saint Barbara lived and died about the year 300 A.D. She was venerated as early as the seventh century. The legend of the lightning bolt which struck down her persecutor caused her to be regarded as the patron saint in time of danger from thunderstorms, fires and sudden death.

When gunpowder made its appearance in the Western world, Saint Barbara was invoked for aid against accidents resulting from explosions--since some of the earlier artillery pieces often blew up instead of firing their projectile, Saint Barbara became the patroness of the artillerymen.

Saint Barbara is usually represented standing by a tower with three windows, carrying the palm of a martyr in her hand. Often, too, she holds a chalice and a sacramental wafer and sometimes cannon are displayed near her. The feast of Saint Barbara falls on December 4th and is traditionally recognized by a formal Dining-In or military dinner, often involving the presentation of the Order of Saint Barbara.

The Order of Saint Barbara is an honorary military society of the United States Field Artillery. Both U.S. Marine and Army field artillery along with their military and civilian supporters are eligible for membership. The order is managed by the U.S. Field Artillery Association and two levels of recognition exist. The most distinguished level is the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara and those who are selected for this honor have achieved long-term, exceptional service to the field artillery surpassing even their brethren in the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. The order links field artillerymen of the past and present in a brotherhood of professionalism, selfless service and sacrifice symbolized by Saint Barbara.

[where's_the_Outrage?]

Happy St. Barbara's Day to all Cannon Cockers and Duck Hunters out there.

[buffyt]

My name is Barbara and I had heard of St. Barnara. THANKS for the whole story! I will send it to my husband, so that he will know he needs to treat me like a saint (LOL) and to all my friends named Barbara!

[John Beresford Tipton]

[buffyt]

My name is Barbara and I had heard of St. BarBara. THANKS for the whole story! I will send it to my husband, so that he will know he needs to treat me like a saint (LOL) and to all my friends named Barbara!

[John Beresford Tipton]

The painting is:
The Martyrdom of Saint Barbara, ca. 1510
Lucas Cranach the Elder (German, 1472?1553)

[buffyt]

Saint Barbara

[ArrogantBustard]

I know we have a bunch of artillerists on this forum.

Happy Feast Day, gentlemen!

[where's_the_Outrage?]

[netmilsmom]

Does anyone know the patron saint of dealing with bad in-laws and lesbian sisters?
I'm not kidding.
Maybe I'll pray for some lightening from St. Barbara.

[struwwelpeter]

She's also the patron saint of miners in the Ukraine.

[yankeedame]

Take it from another Barbara: St. Barbara is also the patron saint of firemen; those who put out oil well fires; and, in the old days, those stevedores and the like who worked/maintained fire driven engines e.g. boilers, steam ships, etc. Hummm....I guess today it could also protect those who work with nuclear power

[lilylangtree]

When I opened this post and started reading, I thought it was going to be a spinoff on Barbra Streisand losing her lawsuit. As I read, I kept wondering where's the punchline. When I finished, I'm awed. Thanks for the post. I learned something new today.

[where's_the_Outrage?]

I believe this Saint has what can console you.

[XJarhead]

I'll have to make sure to do a toast in the direction of Blockhouse Signal Mountain tonight.

[Redleg Duke]

A very Happy St. Barbara's Day, Redlegs!

"CEDAT FORTUNA PARATIS" (Appologies for mis-spellings)

[John Beresford Tipton]

" the patron saint of dealing with bad in-laws and lesbian sisters?"

The Blessed Jeffrey Dahmer.

[TexasRepublic]

Would praying to St. Barbara tighten up my target groups?

[aomagrat]

[GreenLanternCorps]

My brother is a Captain of Artillery in Iraq.

I may just have to forward him this thread.

[Cannoneer No. 4]

Free Republic Fire Support Ping