Saint of the Day: St. Lucy

Virgin and Martyr (d. 304)

Her life

+ According to tradition, she was born in Syracuse, Sicily, and was educated by her widowed mother. Raised as a Christian, she took a vow of virginity, dedicated her whole self to Christ, at an early age.

+ During the persecution of the emperor Diocletian, a man (usually described as a soldier), tried to sexually assault Lucy. When she resisted, he denounced her as a Christian. She was arrested, tortured, and eventually murdered in 304.

+ The feast of Saint Lucy has been celebrated since the sixth century and her name is included in the Roman Canon (the First Eucharistic Prayer)

+ Part of the story of Saint Lucy’s martyrdom relates that her eyes were gouged out. For this reason, she is honored as one of the patrons of the blind.

For prayer and reflection

I will rejoice and be glad in your love,
once you have seen my misery, observed my distress.
Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your kindness.—Psalm 31:8 and 17

Spiritual bonus

On December 13, we also remember the Martyrs of Jeongju. These six Korean laymen—Bartholomeus Chong Mun-Ho, Iosephus Han Won-So, Peter Cho Hwa-so, Petrus Son Son-Ji, Petrus Yi Myong-So, and Petrus Chong Won-Ji—were martyred in the city of Jeongju on December 13, 1866. They were canonized with other Korean martyrs in 1984.

Prayer

May the glorious intercession
of the Virgin and Martyr Saint Lucy
give us new heart, we pray, O Lord,
so that we may celebrate her heavenly birthday
in this present age
and so behold things eternal.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.