Catholic.org - with thousands of pages of magisterial content. Lucy had committed her life to Christ and pledged to remain a virgin. Other narratives depict Lucy losing her eyes, either as a means of torture by her Roman captors or as a self-mutilation to discourage the attentions of pagan men. In North Italy, Saint Lucy brings gift to children between 12 and 13 December. St. Luke, also called Saint Luke the Evangelist, (flourished 1st century ce; feast day October 18), in Christian tradition, the author of the Gospel According to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, a companion of St. Paul the Apostle, and the most literary of the New Testament writers. Hymns to the saint, known as the Gozos, as well as the Spanish version of the Ave Maria are chanted during the dawn procession, which is followed by a Mass. This led to a gruesome martyrdom, where her eyes were gouged out prior to being killed. July 13, 2023. [1] According to Umberto Benigni, Stephen II (768) sent the relics of St. Lucy to Constantinople for safety against the Saracen incursions. Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more. Lucy was a Christian from her early life, which was challenging, if not downright dangerous, in pagan Rome. Honoring St Benedict and the Role of Monks in the Church, St. Carmen: Saint of the Day for Sunday, July 16, 2023, A Parent's Prayer for Their Children: Prayer of the Day for Sunday, July 16, 2023. Eutychia arranged a marriage for Lucy, betrothing her to a young man from a wealthy pagan family. 4 How did the intercession of St Lucy help people? In the year 1928, Lucy became a sister of Saint Dorothy and, later in 1946, after a brief visit to Fatima, she entered the convent of the Carmelite Sisters of Coimbra, under the name of Sister Maria Lucia of the Immaculate Heart. The oldest archaeological evidence comes from the Greek inscriptions from the Catacombs of St. John in Syracuse. According to later accounts, before she died she foretold the punishment of Paschasius and the speedy end of the persecution, adding that Diocletian would reign no more, and Maximian would meet his end. Saint Lucy (283304), was a wealthy young girl who lived in Siracusa, Sicily, at the times of Diocletian persecutions and consecrated herself to God, refusing to marry a pagan and becoming a Christian martyr. Her feast day is associated with the Advent season, bringing the light of Christianity to the world. Paschiasius sentenced Lucy to be raped in a brothel as punishment for her refusal to comply. However, she secretly consecrated her virginity to God, and she had hopes of being able to lead a celibate life and give her dowry away to the poor. Paschasius, also, is a strange name for a pagan to bear. This is because she lost her eyes during her lifetime, but when she was being buried, people say that her eyes had been replaced and restored. Lucy, whose name can mean "light" or "lucid," is the patron saint of the blind. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The story of St. Lucy, a virgin martyr from Syracuse. In the second part, Purgatorio, St. Lucy carries the sleeping Dante to purgatory. Like many of the early martyrs, Lucy had consecrated her virginity to God, and she hoped to distribute her dowry to the poor. Born to rich and noble parents in Syracuse, Sicily, in the year 283 AD she lost her Roman father in infancy. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. By the sacrifice of their lives for Christ, they attained Heaven in eternal glory and were indissolubly united to the Lord, the Head of the Mystical Body.She was a martyr for Christ. There, a young girl dressed in a white dress and a red sash (as the symbol of martyrdom) carries palms and wears a crown or wreath of candles on her head. Finally, she met her death by the sword[1] thrust into her throat.[9]. In Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and parts of Finland, girls dressed as Lucy carry St. Lucia buns in procession as songs are sung. They were forced to endure horrific torture and often met painful ends during Diocletian's reign. St Jude: the Saint we pray to for impossible causes and desperate situations. St. Agatha told Lucy her mother's illness would be cured through faith, which Lucy used to persuade her mother to give the dowry money to the poor and allow her to commit her life to God. It was later removed by Emperor Otho I in 972 to Metz and left in the church of St. Vincent. Catholic Online Saints - thousands of saints bios. Candles, and light sources in general, along with the eyes, are the main symbols of St. Lucys worship*. The guards heaped bundles of wood around her but it wouldn't burn so they finally resorted to their swords, and Lucy met her death. O St Lucy, you preferred to let your eyes be torn out instead of denying the faith and defiling your soul; and God, through an extraordinary miracle, replaced them with another pair of sound and perfect eyes to reward your virtue and faith, appointing you as the protector against eye diseases. She is often seen with the emblem of eyes on a cup or plate. They arrived in Venice in 1204 after being stolen from Byzantium by Enrico Dandolo, the 41st Dodge of Venice. The oldest daughter of each family had to bring breakfast to the bed of her own parents. Sigebert of Gembloux, in his sermo de Sancta Lucia, chronicled that her body lay undisturbed in Sicily for 400 years, before Faroald II, Duke of Spoleto, captured the island and transferred the body to Corfinium in the Abruzzo, Italy. With her mother cured, Lucy took the opportunity to persuade her mother to allow her to distribute a great part of her riches among the poor. She was a light in a dark place and her faithful example enlightened their hearts and minds for many centuries after. Some people may have a family get together and dinner, and many will head out to the beaches to swim or even to camp. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Yes, St. Lucia is named for Saint Lucy. Pages in category Late Ancient Christian female saints . This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Lucy, Eternal Word Television Network - St. Lucy. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 5 Why was Saint Lucy able to stay strong? Though, she valorously resisted to every cruel attempt to annihilate her inner strength. Because of this connection, Saint Lucy is often depicted in art and religious custom as a bringer of light which also ties in to her patronage of eyes and sight. These traditional foods are also given to visitors during the day. Absent in the early narratives and traditions, at least until the fifteenth century, is the story of Lucia tortured by eye-gouging. St. Lucy, Italian Santa Lucia, (died 304, Syracuse, Sicily; feast day December 13), virgin and martyr who was one of the earliest Christian saints to achieve popularity, having a widespread following before the 5th century. According to tradition, St. Lucy consecrated her virginity to God, angering a suitor. She was recognized by the early Christians because of her martyrdom, and by the whole Catholic Church by the 6th century. [7], Lucy is honored in the Church of England and in the Episcopal Church on 13 December. References to her are found in early Roman sacramentaries and, at Syracuse, in an inscription dating from 400 ce. Other symbolic images include a lamp, dagger, or two oxen. How does the moon affect the ocean currents? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Omissions? St. Lucia of Syracuse (283-304), also known as Saint Lucy or Saint Lucia (Latin: Sancta Lucia), was a young Christian martyr who died during the Diocletianic Persecution. https://www.learnreligions.com/saint-lucy-bringer-of-light-4589771 (accessed July 17, 2023). What did St. Lucy do to become a saint? Learn Religions. Lucia of Syracuse was honored in the Middle Ages and remained a well-known saint in early modern England. This order was thwarted, according to legend, by divine intervention; Lucy became immovable and could not be carried away. He expressed himself prominently as a public figure, fiercely promoting Roman Christianity against Arianism and paganism. St. Lucy remained unharmed by the flames, even as they grew high around her. Lucia Elementary School, Masantol, Pampanga, Philippines, Sta. Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Lucy of Syracuse, Santa Lucia in San Jose Recoletos Parish Church, Cebu City, Philippines, Sta. She is a patron saint of music and of musicians. Return from the life story of Saint Lucy to the Life of Saints. She is one of the most highly venerated saints in Christianity and one of only eight women mentioned by name in the Roman Catholic Mass. December 13th is the feast day of St. Lucy. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Her traditional feast day, known in Europe as Saint Lucy's Day, is observed by Western Christians on 13 December. Part of the sudden betrothal was due to Eutychias poor health. St. Clare was a noblewoman who took a vow of poverty and became a follower of St. Francis of Assisi. Lucy's light symbolism also explains why Dante tells this evening scene in Purgatorio 9 through the lens of the dawn. She carries him both out of the literal darkness to a new day, as well as the figurative darkness to lead him to salvation. [21] Due to the inaccuracy of the Julian Calendar, the shortest day actually fell a day or two earlier in Donne's time. #4 Saint Lucys Symbol and Iconography Focuses on Her Holding Her Eyes in a Dish The symbolism around St. Lucy focuses on her eyes. Church of San Geremia and the grave of Saint Lucy, Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia, also Syracuse, Sicily, Italy, St. Lucy Catholic Church, Highland Beach, Florida, United States, St. Lucie Catholic Church, Port St. Lucie, Florida, United States. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. How did the intercession of St Lucy help people? She is the patron saint of the city of Syracuse (Sicily) and of virgins. When the Governor questioned her as to how she could stay strong, she claimed that it was the power of Jesus her Lord and God. St. Lucy lived in Syracuse, Sicily, during the reign of the emperor Diocletian, who was known for his persecution of Christians. St. Lucia Church, Poonapity, Kaddaikadu, Puttlam, Santa Luzia Church, Viana Do Castelo, Portugal, Iglesia de Sta. Under the rule of Emperor Diocletian, soldiers tried to arrest her, but God made her immovable as a means to protect her. Home to All! And in the third part, Paradisio, Dante portrays her besides Adam. Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. July 13, 2023. Also I picked her for her bravery, strength, and being an independant woman. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Lucia Elementary School, De Castro Subd., Barangay Sta. Join us for 'Speakin' with the Deacons' and Get Your Questions Answered! [citation needed], In Purgatorio 9.5263, Lucy carries a sleeping Dante to the entrance to purgatory. The Christians chose Lucy to become a saint because . Saint Lucy's Day or the Feast of St. Lucy is marked by Catholics and Orthodox Christians and also celebrated by members of the. #10 Saint Lucy Is One of Only 7 Female Saints Listed in the Roman Canon of the Mass After the consecration of the Eucharist in a Catholic mass, the priest will often mention the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, the 12 apostles, and 27 saints. In various Scandinavian countries there developedLussibrud,a tradition where the oldest daughter in the family wears a white dress and red sash with a crown of candles on top of her head. However, ignoring Lucys promises, and worried about her daughters future, Eutychia arranged her marriage to a young, rich, and pagan man.Young Lucy, who was renowned forherbeauty and her sparkling eyes, refused to marry the man and followed her own spiritual calling. [24], This is particularly seen in Scandinavian countries, with their long dark winters. The story of St. Lucys martyrdom is one of the most inspiring tales from early Christianity. The Most Influential Catholic Women of All TimesSt Rita of Cascia: Patroness of the Impossible CausesSt Cecilia: Patron Saint of Music. Saint Lucia was constantly fought over by the British and the French during the 18th century, This painting depicts the Battle of St. Lucia, 15 December 1778, when 12 French ships led by Admiral d'Estaing (left) attacked seven British ships (right) commanded by Admiral Barrington.. Saint Lucia was inhabited by the Arawak and Kalinago Caribs before European contact in the early 16th century. Lucia, Sta. Her father was of Roman origin,[1] but died when she was five years old,[7] leaving Lucy and her mother without a protective guardian. She was next condemned to death by fire, but she proved impervious to the flames. What is the word that goes with a public officer of a town or township responsible for keeping the peace? Legend has it that Saint Lucy either plucked out her own eyes to avoid marriage to a pagan, or had her eyes put out by the Emperor Diocletian as part of her martyrdom. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. #5 Saint Lucys Feast Day Celebration Is on December 13th Her feast day is December 13, the date of her martyrdom. Many ancient songs from Sweden highlight this symbolism, such as this one. Saint Lucy (283-304), was a wealthy young girl who lived in Siracusa, Sicily, at the times of Diocletian persecutions and consecrated herself to God, refusing to marry a pagan and becoming a Christian martyr. This usually takes the form of cucca,[23] a dish of boiled wheat berries often mixed with ricotta and honey, or sometimes served as a savory soup with beans. Because of various traditions associating her name with light, she came to be thought of as the patron of sight and was depicted by medieval artists carrying a dish containing her eyes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Wearing the lights on her head allowed her to see and also kept her hands free to carry more provisions. That did not work, so the soldiers then decided to burn her alive. In addition to St. Lucy, St. Felicity, St. Perpetua, St. Agatha, St. Agnes, St. Cecilia, and St. Anastasia are the only female saints mentioned during the Eucharistic Prayer I. However, since there is no other evidence by which the story may be tested, it can only be suggested that the facts peculiar to the saint's story deserve special notice. It is one of two sovereign nations in the world named after a woman (Ireland is named after the Celtic goddess of fertility Eire) and the only sovereign nation named after a historical woman. Today, she is venerated in the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. Updates? #8 Saint Lucy Has a Country Named After Her Aside from the churches which house her remains, the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia is named after St. Lucy. Because some versions of her story relate that her eyes were removed, either by herself or by her persecutors, she is the patron saint of the blind. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Her father seems to have been a Roman nobleman, while her mother, Eutychia, had Greek origins. [10][11], The monk Sigebert of Gembloux (10301112) wrote a mid-eleventh century passio, to support a local cult of Lucy at Metz.[12]. In small towns, a parade with Saint Lucy is held the evening of the 12th when she goes through the main streets of the town munching sweets and candy from her cart, always together with her donkey. The Christian tradition states that when the guards came to take her away, they could not move her even when they hitched her to a team of oxen. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Other parts of the corpse have found their way to Rome, Naples, Verona, Lisbon, Milan, as well as Germany and France. [22] Sicilians recall a legend that holds that a famine ended on her feast day when ships loaded with grain entered the harbor. The one that has passed the test of time tells the story of a young Christian woman who vowed to live her life in service of Christ. [1], The subsequent history of the relics is not clear. (2021, December 6).
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