St. Lucy

St. Lucy was a martyr who lost her life in the persecution of Christians in the early fourth century. Her veneration spread to Rome so that by the sixth century the whole Church recognized her courage in defense of the faith.

Because people wanted to shed light on Lucy's bravery, legends grew up. One that is passed down to us tells the story of a young Christianwoman who had vowed her life to the service of Christ. Her mother tried to arrange a marriage for her with a pagan. Lucy apparently knew that her mother would not be convinced by a young girl's vow so she devised a plan to convince her mother that Christ was a much more powerful partner for life. Through Lucy's prayersat the tomb of Saint Agatha, her mother's long illness was cured miraculously. The grateful mother was now ready to listen to Lucy's desire to give her money to the poor and commit her life to God.

Another legend tells that Lucy's eyes were put out by Diocletianas part of his torture. The legend concludes with God restoring Lucy's eyes. 

She is a patron saint of the blind and those with eye-trouble. Her Feast Day is December 13.