St. Barbara was an early Christian martyr born in the 3rd century. She was extremely beautiful so her overly protective father kept her locked in a tower. She secretly converted to Christianity. She eventually professed her faith, refused to marry and would not participate in pagan idol worship. Her father had her tortured and eventually put to death by decapitation. There are legends of many miracles and healings related to St. Barbara. Feast: 4 December (Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church)