ST. LUCY (DEC. 13TH)

Italian Renaissance Icon of St. Lucy of Syracuse

Edited by Bp. Joseph Boyd (Ancient  Church of the West) 

St. Lucy was born around 283 AD to wealthy and noble parents. Her father, of Roman descent, passed away when she was just five years old, leaving Lucy and her mother, Eutychia, without a protective guardian. Eutychia's name, suggesting Greek origins, hints at a culturally diverse family background.

Following the tradition of many early martyrs, Lucy consecrated her virginity to God and aspired to distribute her dowry to the poor. Unaware of her daughter's sacred vow and troubled by a chronic bleeding disorder, Eutychia feared for Lucy's future and arranged her marriage to a young man from a prominent pagan family.

Seeking healing, Eutychia was convinced to undertake a pilgrimage to Catania, where St. Agatha's tomb was reputed for miracles. During their visit, St. Agatha appeared to Lucy in a dream, assuring her that her mother's faith would bring about her healing and that Lucy would one day be the glory of Syracuse, just as Agatha was for Catania. When Eutychia was miraculously cured, Lucy used the moment to persuade her mother to permit the distribution of much of their wealth to the poor.

Eutychia, though moved by her daughter's arguments, initially suggested that the wealth and jewels could serve as a generous bequest after her death. Lucy, however, passionately countered, saying, “Whatever you give away at death for the Lord’s sake you give because you cannot take it with you. Give now to the true Savior, while you are healthy, whatever you intended to give away at your death.” This bold exhortation convinced Eutychia, and they began distributing their patrimony and treasures to the poor.

News of Lucy’s actions reached her betrothed, who, furious at losing his promised dowry, denounced her to Paschasius, the Governor of Syracuse. Accusing her of being a Christian, he declared that she was depriving him of his rightful inheritance. Paschasius summoned Lucy and demanded that she renounce her faith, burn a sacrificial offering to the emperor's image, and agree to the marriage.

Lucy stood firm, unwavering in her devotion to Christ. Refusing to comply, she proclaimed her commitment to her vow and rejected all earthly ties that conflicted with her faith. Enraged by her defiance, Paschasius pronounced a brutal sentence: she was to be defiled in a brothel.

Upon hearing her sentence, Lucy displayed remarkable courage, prophesying the downfall of her persecutors. She declared that Paschasius would soon meet his punishment, that the persecution of Christians would end swiftly, and that the reign of Diocletian would be no more, with Maximian also destined for a violent demise. Her words only deepened Paschasius’ fury, and he ordered his guards to bind Lucy and drag her to the brothel. However, even as they attempted to move her, they found her immovable, a divine testament to her steadfast faith and purity.

The Martyrdom of St. Lucy

According to tradition, when the guards came to Lucy's house, they gouged out her eyes as commanded. Even so, when they attempted to take her away, they found themselves powerless to move her. Not even when she was hitched to a team of oxen could they shift her, for she stood supernaturally immovable through the power of the Holy Spirit. Frustrated, her captors heaped bundles of wood around her and set them ablaze, but the flames refused to consume her. Finally, Lucy met her martyrdom when a sword was thrust into her throat.

When her body was taken to the church for burial, those charged with preparing her for interment claimed to witness miraculous signs: her body appeared healed and whole, and it exuded a sweet and heavenly fragrance. Over time, stories spread of her relics performing miracles, healing countless pilgrims, and casting out demons.

To this day, St. Lucy is revered as one of the great saints of the Western Church. Many Christians honor her memory by naming their daughters after her, inspired by her unwavering faith, miraculous witness, and the light she brought into a darkened world. Her feast day on December 13 continues to be celebrated with devotion, particularly in regions that remember her as a patroness of the blind and a bringer of spiritual clarity and strength.

Collect 

O Almighty and Everlasting God, who didst strengthen Thy holy Virgin and Martyr, Saint Lucy, to endure steadfastly for the sake of Christ, and who didst make her an immovable witness to Thy power even in the face of persecution; Grant, we beseech Thee, that we, inspired by her faith and purity, may despise the fleeting riches of this world and seek the treasures of Thy heavenly kingdom. As we commemorate her heavenly birthday, may her holy intercession uphold us, that we may remain steadfast in trial, boldly proclaim Thy truth, and behold with joy the eternal glory she now enjoys; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

St. Lucy, Pray for us!

The Acts of the Life of St. Lucy and Receiving the Martyr's Crown in Heaven