St. Lucy was one of the earliest Christian martyrs. According to tradition, she was born to wealthy noble parents in Syracuse, Italy. Her father, of Roman origin, died young and left Lucy dependent upon her mother, Eutychia. Though Lucy had consecrated her virginity to God, Eutychia insisted upon her betrothal to a young noble pagan. Perhaps she hoped, like St. Cecilia, to be able to convert her husband and persuade him to respect her commitment. Eutychia was suffering from hemorrhages and, at her daughter's suggestion, journeyed with her to the miracle-working tomb of St. Agatha at Catania, some 50 miles away. There, she was instantly and completely cured. With a heart overflowing with gratitude, she now gave in to her daughter's repeated pleadings and permitted her to distribute a large part of her inheritance among the poor. This, however, aroused the covetousness of her worldly-minded fiancé to such a degree that he denounced her before the governor of Sicily as a Christian. It was the time of the fierce Diocletian persecution. In the
In the emperor's mind, the worship of the Roman gods was inextricably
bound with unity and loyalty to the State. Therefore, in order to fortify the empire, Christians would need to adhere to the established norms or face elimination, even if they demonstrate unwavering patriotism in all other aspects. As a result of Lucy's resoluteness, she was subjected to horrible and shameful torture; she was ordered to be exposed to prostitution in a brothel, but this was thwarted by divine intervention; she was next ordered to be burnt to death, but proved impervious to the flames. She finally died on December 13, 304 AD, with a sword thrust through her throat. She is the Patroness of Syracuse (Sicily), and, possibly because of her name, which is suggestive of light, she is invoked against eye trouble.
Prayer:
O God, our Creator and Redeemer, mercifully hear our prayers that as we venerate your servant, Saint Lucy, for the light of faith You bestowed upon her, You would increase and preserve this same light in our souls.
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