Saint Barbara

St. Barbara was a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD. She was the daughter of a wealthy pagan named Dioscorus. Barbara secretly converted to Christianity, which angered her father. He imprisoned her in a tower and eventually beheaded her for her faith. She is venerated as the patron saint of artillery, architects, engineers, and miners. St. Barbara is also invoked for protection against lightning, fire, and sudden death.