Saints are holy men and women who lived on Earth with us. They acted according to the will of Lord Jesus Christ by spreading the message of love and peace, most of which is forgiveness and loving enemies. They lived in joy because they walked in the steps of Lord Jesus and tried to emulate Him in all possible ways. Some of them lost their lives in defence of the Lord’s message of common living and of maintaining brotherly ties among all people.

These saints revealed to us how we can worship God and grow in holiness through both work and prayer, as well as how through charity and prayer, impossible situations can be transformed.

December 4, marks the Feast of St. Barbara.

This saint, also known as the Great Martyr Barbara, was an early Christian Greek martyr born mid-third century in Heliopolis, Phoenicia. She was the daughter to a rich pagan named Dioscorus. After the death of Barbara's mother, Dioscorus dedicated his life to his only daughter.

Barbara was known for being extremely beautiful. As a way of "protecting" her, Dioscorus shielded her from the world by locking her high up within a tower. He allowed only her pagan teachers to see her.

Barbara, who spent her days gazing upon the hills and admiring all of God's creations, secretly became a Christian and dedicated her life to knowing the true God and making Him known to others. She offered herself completely to the Lord, choosing a life of consecrated virginity.

As Barbara grew older, her father, Dioscorus began presenting men to her for marriage. She refused them all and warned her father that his persistence could forever damage their relationship.

Dioscorus allowed for Barbara to leave her tower, hoping some freedom would change her attitude. She used this opportunity to meet other Christians. They taught her about the Lord Jesus, the Holy Trinity and the Church. A priest from Alexandria, disguised as a merchant, baptized Barbara into Christ and His Church.

Later, Barbara informed her father that she had become a Christian and would no longer worship his idols. Full of rage, her father grabbed his sword and went to strike her. Before he could do so, Barbara ran off.

 This briefing on the life of St. Barbara indicates how she suffered in defence of her faith.

Holiness is the sublime target of every Christian. The Catholic Church has been offering all the possibility of following a path of holiness, namely the path of the Christian. This Church brings us to encounter Jesus Christ in the Sacraments, especially in Confession and in the Eucharist, as well as communicates the Word of God to us by letting us live in charity and in the love of God for all.

As we ponder the life of saints, we pray saying, “O, holy saints of God!  How glorious you are in your Heavenly splendor!  I thank you for your love and service on Earth and now I call upon your intercession from Heaven.  Please pray for me and for all people that we may imitate your holiness while on Earth and obtain the glory in which you now share.  Saints of God, pray for us.  Jesus, I trust in You.”