St Lucy

St Lucia Day in Sweden - Wiki Image: Claudia Gründer

Patron saint of eyesight. Saint Lucy was martyred during the persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian during the 3rd century. According to legend, when she refused to give up her faith she was blinded, but her sight was miraculously restored. She was finally killed with a sword.

There are churches dedicated to her in Rome, Naples and Venice as well as two in England.

Her feast is celebrated in Sweden as the 'festival of light'. Youngest daughters, dressed in white, wake up the rest of the family with coffee, rolls and a special song. In Sicily the song Santa Lucia, dedicated to her, is very popular.

Prayer

May the glorious intercession of the Virgin and Martyr Saint Lucy give us a new heart, we pray, O Lord, so that we may celebrate her heavenly birthday in this present age and so behold things eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.