St. Florian Patron of firefighters

CEBU, Philippines - Since March is observed as Fire Prevention Month, get to know St. Florian — patron of men and women in the fire service.

Once upon a time, there was a Roman officer serving in Noricum, a province of the Roman Empire. This was situated in an area of Austria in Europe.

His name was Florian von Lorch or Florianus in the Latin language. He was an officer during the rule of the Roman Emperor Diocletian (from 284 to 305). Quite a long time ago? Indeed, very long ago when Christians were persecuted for sowing the seeds of Jesus’ teachings.

Florian held a high post. He was commander of the imperial army. In addition to his military duties, he was also responsible for organizing firefighting brigades.

However, the Roman leaders sought to stop Christianity from spreading. It was said that Emperor Diocletian mounted some of the fiercest persecutions of the early Christian Church especially on the eastern side of the empire. They sent Aquilinus, the governor, to persecute Christians. Aquilinus then ordered Florian to offer a sacrifice to the pagan Roman gods in accordance with Roman religion.

But Florian had already converted to Christianity. This means that he had already received in his heart and in his mind that Jesus Christ is the Savior. So he refused to bow down before the Roman gods. His association with Christians was later on discovered when he continued to disobey orders to make sacrifices and worship the pagan gods.

The Roman leaders hated him. He was sentenced to die. He was tortured first by a variety of cruel acts. With God’s grace, he was able to cheerfully accept the beatings of the soldiers of Aquilinus who rounded up the alarming growing number of Christians. Florian was able to endure the pain of the clubs and the spikes.

After making a bold confession that he had embraced Christianity, Florian was set on fire. Finally, his body was thrown into the River Enns with a millstone tied around his neck.

A pious woman named Valeria had a vision in which she saw him. Florian, in this vision, declared his intent to be buried in a more appropriate location. Valeria later on found his body and gave him an honorable burial.

Years later, Florian was picked as patron of firemen because of the legend where he put out a fire miraculously with a bucket of water. He is considered a defender of people in the fire service. It is believed that prayers in the event of a fire, flooding or drowning are considered more likely to be answered by asking St. Florian for intercession.

The Feast Day of St. Florian is May 4th.