Saint Florian Bronze Figurine (by Veronese)

The early progression of Christianity in the time of the Roman Empire was highly dangerous, anyone claiming to be a Christian would face either prison or death. As a Roman army official under Emperor Diocletian, St. Florian was ordered to persecute Christians in accordance with Roman religion, he refused the Emperor’s order and was sentenced to be burned at the stake. When the time comes to Florian’s execution by flame, he stood on the pyre saying, “If you wish to know that I’m not afraid of your torture, light the fire, and in the name of the Lord I will climb onto it.” Irritated by Florian’s confidence, the soldiers decided to drown him instead. St. Florian is the Patron Saint of Austria, firefighters, and floods. During his time in the Roman army, he was responsible for organizing and training an elite group of soldiers whose sole duty was to fight fires. St. Florian is often depicted in artwork pouring water from a bucket or vessel, the St. Florian's cross is still widely used as the symbol of firefighting, especially in the United States.