13/12/2024
St. Lucy. Patroness of all with eye diseases
Pray for us.
Saint Lucy, also known as Saint Lucia, is a
4th century
Christian martyr and saint. Her feast day is celebrated on December 13th in the Western Christian tradition.
The history behind the Saint Lucy prayer is rooted in her life and martyrdom. According to legend, Lucy was a young Christian woman living in Syracuse, Sicily, during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians. She was known for her piety, kindness, and generosity, especially towards the poor.
When Lucy's mother, Eutychia, fell ill, they traveled to Catania, where they prayed at the tomb of Saint Agatha, another Christian martyr. While there, Lucy had a vision of Saint Agatha, who foretold her own martyrdom and encouraged her to continue her good works.
Upon returning to Syracuse, Lucy sold her family's property and distributed the proceeds to the poor. This act of charity angered the Roman authorities, who had her arrested and sentenced to be sold into slavery.
However, the Roman guards were unable to move Lucy from the spot where she stood, as if she had been rooted to the ground. They then attempted to burn her at the stake, but the flames did not harm her. Finally, she was stabbed in the throat with a sword.
The Saint Lucy prayer reflects her bravery, faith, and devotion to God. The prayer asks for her intercession to guide us in our own faith journey, to be brave in the face of adversity, and to reflect God's love in our lives.
The prayer also references her name, which means "light," symbolizing her role as a beacon of hope and faith in the midst of persecution. Throughout history, Saint Lucy has been revered as a patron saint of the blind, eye disorders, and salesmen, among others.