Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Lucy (also known as Lucia of Syracuse (Sicily). Lucy was born of rich and noble parents, about the year 283 AD. Her father was of Roman origin, but died when she was only five years old. Her mother (whose name was Eutychia) was most probably Greek in origin. Lucy consecrated her virginity to God, but unaware of this consecration, her mother arranged her marriage to a young man from a wealthy pagan family.
Saint Lucy is said to have convinced her mother to give away some of her wealth among the poor, arguing: ... 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 Saviour, while you are healthy, whatever you intended to give away at your death.
News that the family's patrimony and jewels were being distributed came to Lucy's betrothed who denounced her to the Governor of Syracuse. In response, the Governor ordered her to burn a sacrifice to the emperor's image. When she refused, he sentenced her to be defiled in a brothel, but this too was thwarted. Bundles of wood were then heaped around her and set afire, but they would not burn. Finally, she died by the sword (in the year 304).
At one time, the feast day of Saint Lucy was associated with the Winter solstice: the shortest day of the year. For that reason, her feast became most popularly celebrated as a festival of light. May this young martyr intercede for us, so that we too might be enlightened by heavenly guidance so that we can live our faith today.
Have a great day.
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