That lightning is why she became the patron of anyone who works with sudden fire and explosions: miners, artillery soldiers, firefighters and demolition crews. She is also prayed to in thunderstorms, and for protection from a sudden death without the sacraments.
Historical Context
Barbara’s historical details can’t be verified, and in 1969 her feast was removed from the universal calendar for that reason. She is still a saint and still widely loved; artillery units in many armies celebrate St Barbara’s Day, and miners in Germany and Poland still honour her each December.
A Prayer to St Barbara in a Storm
St Barbara, the storm is overhead.
Pray for us and for everyone in its path.
Keep lightning from our home and harm from our family,
and keep us calm until it passes.
Amen.
For Miners, Firefighters and Soldiers
St Barbara, patron of those who work with fire and explosives,
protect the miners underground, the firefighters at the blaze
and the soldiers at their guns.
Bring them home safe at the end of their shift.
Amen.
For a Holy Death
St Barbara, pray that I will not die suddenly and unprepared.
Let me receive the sacraments at the end,
and die in God’s peace.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- During thunderstorms.
- Before a shift underground, at a fire or on a firing range.
- On 4 December, St Barbara’s Day.
- When praying for a good death.
Scripture Connection
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.” — Psalm 18:2
Barbara was locked in a tower by her father; her real fortress, the legend says, was God. Psalm 18, a song of rescue from danger and storm, fits her well.
Related prayers
For storms, see the Catholic Prayer for Storms. For miners, the Coal Miners Prayer, and for firefighters, the Saint Florian Prayer.