Saint Barbara is celebrated as the patron saint of tunnellers, engineers, artillerymen, and miners—professions that often involve high-risk work with explosives and hazardous environments. Known for her courage and steadfast faith, Saint Barbara’s story has inspired people across centuries, particularly those who face danger daily in their jobs.
According to tradition, Barbara was born in the third century in Asia Minor to a wealthy pagan father named Dioscorus. When Barbara converted to Christianity, her father, outraged by her defiance, handed her over to Roman authorities, who imprisoned and tortured her. Despite the severe treatment, Barbara’s faith remained strong, and numerous miracles reportedly occurred during her confinement, including her wounds miraculously healing overnight. In the end, her father executed her himself, only to be struck by lightning shortly after—a sign to many that Barbara was divinely protected.
Our professional Raul Gragera Sanchez on the project with Saint Barbara.
As a result of her violent death and enduring courage, Barbara was declared the patron of those facing the dangers of sudden, explosive forces. Over time, miners and artillerymen adopted her as a guardian figure. With the rise of modern engineering and tunnelling projects, her patronage extended to engineers and tunnellers, who often invoke her protection on risky projects.
Our professional Leopoldo Blazquez Nuñez on the project with Saint Barbara.
Today, Saint Barbara is celebrated each December 4th, known as Santa Barbara’s Day, where her image is often placed at tunnel entrances and construction sites as a blessing for safe work. Her protective legacy is honored worldwide by engineers, miners, and military personnel who look to her for courage and safety in hazardous fields. As an example, please see below a picture of Saint Barbara at the tunnel entrance where she is protecting a lot of iPS employees that are working at the moment.
