St. Florian

By Crusader1307

Florian is a Catholic-Christian Saint born in 250 AD. He is revered by Firefighters all over The World as ''Patron'' of that Vocation. Like most stories about ''how'' Saints became so, their story – much like Florian's, is ''part truth, part Medieval Legend and part Popular Piety''. Born in Roman Occupied Germania (what would many Centuries later become Austria), He entered into The Roman Army. Florian rose to the Position of Centurion. He was tasked to form a Brigade of Soldiers to fight the many fires that plagued much of The Roman Empire often in it's Cities. Florian ''created'' the first Elite type of ''Firefighters''. But in time, He became impressed with those who followed the ''new'' Christian Faith (determined and unafraid, even when tortured and executed most horribly). Soon, (in secret), Florian ''became'' a Christian. But reports began to circulate Rome, that Florian was refusing to enforce The Emperor's Edicts to persecute Christians. Taken Prisoner, Florian was given the chance to ''prove'' His loyalty to Rome, by making an offering to The Gods. He refused. As such, Florian was sentenced to death by being burned alive. Tied to a Stake, all present were amazed with the fact that the wood kindling at Florian's feet – would not burn. Many times they tried, and still no fire would ignite. Angered, Roman Authorities ordered Florian to have heavy stones tied to His body, and to be thrown into a River. Florian so drowned. Later, Christian recovered Florian's remains and secretly buried Him. He was Canonized (made Saint) in the 4th Century.