Florian von Lorch

Florian was born around 250 CE in the ancient Roman city of Aelium Cetium (present day Sankt Pölten in Austria).

He joined the Roman army and rose to a high rank in the province of Noricum.

In addition to his military duties, he was also responsible for organising and leading firefighting brigades. Florian organised and trained 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 small vessel.

During the Roman persecution of Christians, reports reached Rome that Florian was helping Christians and not punishing them in his territory. Aquilinus was sent to investigate these reports.

Florian’s acknowledged that he was Christian and refused to renounce Christianity. He also refused to persecute Christians. This led to his death sentence.

He was thrown into the river Enns with a millstone tied around his neck.  Florian drowned on May 4, 304 CE. His body was later retrieved by Christians and buried at an Augustinian monastery near Lorch.

During the Roman Empire, the rise of Christianity was not tolerated. Anyone claiming to be a Christian was put in prison or sentenced to death. The only way Christians could avoid prison or death, was by renouncing Christianity and offer sacrifice to the Roman gods or the Roman emperor.

Patronage

Florian is the patron saint for firefighters, chimneysweeps, brewers, bakers, gardeners, potters, blacksmiths and soap makers (soap boilers).

Florian is called on when there are fires and floods.

Florian is venerated as a patron saint in Upper Austria and Poland.