St. Barbara
Patron Saint of Artillery
Introduction
Saint Barbara is the patron saint of those who face the danger of sudden and violent death at work. She is invoked against thunder and lightning and all accidents arising from explosions of gunpowder. She became the patron saint of artillerymen, armourers, military engineers, gunsmiths, and anyone else who worked with cannon and explosives. Following the widespread adoption of gunpowder in mining in the 1600s, she was also adopted as the patron of miners, tunnellers, and other underground workers.
Her feast day is December 4.
St. Barbara
Saint Barbara and her father struck by lightning by Francesco Soderini 1700-1710
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Barbara was born either in Heliopolis, Lebanon or in Nicomedia, Turkey, in the 3rd century. She was the daughter of a rich pagan named Dioscorus who carefully guarded her, keeping her locked up in a tower to preserve her from the outside world. After she secretly became a Christian, she rejected an offer of marriage that she received through her father.
Before departing on a journey, Barbara's father commanded that a private bath-house be erected for her use near her dwelling, and during his absence, she had three windows put in it as a symbol of the Holy Trinity, instead of the two originally intended. When her father returned, she acknowledged herself to be a Christian.
Dragged before the prefect of the province, Martinianus, who had her cruelly tortured, Barbara held true to her Christian faith. During the night, the dark prison was bathed in light and new miracles occurred. Every morning, her wounds were healed. Torches that were to be used to burn her went out as soon as they came near her. Finally, she was condemned to death by beheading. Her father himself carried out the death sentence; however, as punishment, he was struck by lightning on the way home and his body was consumed by flame. Barbara was buried by a Christian, Valentinus.
A Prayer to St Barbara
Saint Barbara, your courage is much stronger than the forces of hurricanes and the power of lightening.
Be always by our side so that we, like you, may face all storms, wars, trials and tribulations with the same fortitude with which you faced yours.
O Beautiful Maiden once imprisoned in a high tower, protect us from the lightning and fire that rages in the sky and the discord of war.
Keep us alert and protect us from the dangers that surround us.
Holy Mary Mother of Jesus intercessor for us all;
We pray to assure receiving of the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist at the hour of our death.
St Barbara's Day Service
On Sunday, 3 December 2006, a St Barbara's Day Blessing, was held in the Drill Hall at the Artillery Ground, Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol.
Many present and past members attended the service including the Commanding Officer of 100 Regiment R.A. Lt. Col Simon West R.A. the service was conducted by the 100 Regt R.A. Chaplain Simon Rowland, who blessed the guns of 266 (GVA) Para Bty R. A. (V).
The service began with a welcome from the Battery Commander Major A.G. Rogers MBE TD R.A. (V).
Carol: O come, all ye Faithful.
The First Reading: The History of St Barbara was read by L/Bdr P. Brown.
Carol: While shepherds watched their flocks by night.
The Second Reading: The History of the Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery. was read by WO2 [SPSI] Gatehouse.
Carol: Hark the Herald-angels sing
The Third Reading: An Ode to a Paratrooper was read by S/Sgt D. Ford.
Reflection and Prayers.
The Blessing of the Colours.
The service ended with the congregation singing the National Anthem.
After the service the Gunners Arms bar reopened and a curry lunch for all was served, which was organised by the BQMS S/Sgt Steve Wakefield, in the drill hall, the tables were decorated with selected pieces of battery silver.
Talking to past members of the battery, it seemed that they were very impressed by the officers and men of the unit, their bearing and enthusiasm being commented on, past members were introduced to the guns of the battery, by members of the unit.
Sources and Resources
Derek Driscoll's original pages
Saint Barbara
St Barbara's Day Service
Other Sources
Saint Barbara - Wikipedia
The Royal Artillery Association - Facebook