Saint Lucy

Jacobello del Fiore Santa Lucía en el sepulcro de Santa Agüeda PC Fermo

Lotto, pala di santa lucia 00

Saint Lucy by Domenico di Pace Beccafumi

Francesco del Cossa - Saint Lucy

Lucia-13.12.06

File:Santalucia.jpg

Santalucia

Saint Lucy (283–304), also known as Lucia of Syracuse, was a Christian martyr who is venerated as a saint by the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox Churches. She is one of the eight women, along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass.

Life

Saint Lucy was born into a wealthy family in Syracuse, Sicily, during the late third century. Her father died when she was young, and she was raised by her mother, Eutychia. From an early age, Lucy dedicated her life to Christ and vowed to remain a virgin.

Martyrdom

During the Diocletianic Persecution, Lucy was denounced as a Christian by a rejected suitor. She was subjected to various tortures, including having her eyes gouged out, but miraculously, her sight was restored. Eventually, she was executed by a sword to the throat.

Veneration

Saint Lucy's feast day is celebrated on December 13. She is the patron saint of the blind and those with eye ailments, as well as writers and martyrs. Her relics are venerated in various churches, including the Church of San Geremia in Venice.

Iconography

Saint Lucy is often depicted in art holding a dish with her eyes on it, symbolizing the legend of her eye removal. She is also shown with a palm branch, a symbol of martyrdom, and a lamp or candle, representing her name, which means "light."

Legacy

Saint Lucy's Day is widely celebrated in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden, where it is known as Luciadagen. The festival involves processions with girls dressed in white robes and wearing wreaths of candles on their heads.

Related Pages

• Christian Martyrs
• Diocletianic Persecution
• Syracuse, Sicily
• Feast of Saint Lucy
• Church of San Geremia