The saint I chose for my report is Saint Lucy (also known as Lucia) of Syracuse. Saint Lucy's name means "light", with the same main as "lucid" which means "clear, glowing, and understandable. " Alas for all of us, Lucy's history will not match her name, and it is has even been doubted whether many of the events even took place. Shrouded in the darkness of their time, all we really know for certain is that this brave female who lived in Syracuse, Italy lost her life in the persecution of Christians in the first fourth century. (catholics. org)
However, there are a few traditional stories which have been told about this brave woman through the ages since her fatality. It is stated that St. Lucy was created to wealthy Roman parents and changed into Christianity at an early age, then later pledged her life to God. However, her mom disagreed with the girl's beliefs, as she acquired already arranged a married relationship for her. Lucy asked her mother if she'd visit the tomb of Saint Agatha, and her mom decided. After arriving, Lucy prayed at the tomb and her mother's hemorrhaging illness was treated, and her mom agreed to the girls faith (saints. sqpn. com).
According to catholics. org, Saint Lucy's suitor, however, still pursued her. She effectively held off of the marriage for 3 years, however the suitor became impatient. He desired her on her behalf beautiful eye, so, in an work of extreme bravery, she tore out her own sight and sent those to her suitor, along with a note reading, "Here, now you possess what you wish, now leave the rest to me, I beg of you!" Miraculously, her eyesight was restored the next day (catholics).
However, her suitor could not see as obviously as Saint Lucy, and in his jealousy, betrayed her to the Roman governor of Sicily. In those days, Christian persecution was high in the globe. The governor sentenced her to be placed in a residence of prostitution, wishing that the conditions would be so bad that she'd gladly admit her suitor and leave the way of Christ. When the guards came for taking her away, however, by another miracle, they found her as unmovable as stone. Because the guards could not move her, the governor then sentenced her to loss of life by fire, however the fire wouldn't light and damage her. Eventually, Saint Lucy was eventually stabbed in the neck and killed (Vann, Father Joseph and Thomas Plessman, 355).
This beautiful history cannot unfortunately be accepted without criticism. The facts may be only a repetition of similar accounts of any virgin martyr's life and loss of life. However, since there is no other evidence where the storyplot may be analyzed, it can only just be suggested that the facts peculiar to the saint's story deserve special notice (Bridge).
Among these, the area and time of her death can barely be questioned; for the others, the most notable are her connection with St. Agatha and the miraculous treatment of her mother, \and it is usually to be hoped these havent been launched by the pious compiler of the saint's tale or a popular instinct to link together two countrywide saints. Another point of dissention is how she could remove her eyes and still live. The storyplot can be traced back again to the fifth century. Though it can't be regarded as exact, there can be no doubt of the great reverence that was proven to St. Lucy by the first church. (Brown, Bridge).
Saint Lucy is the patron saint of the blind, authors, and the ones who have problems with attention troubles. Her icons are the cable, eyes on the plate, a light, and swords. Her feast day is December thirteenth. (saints. sqpn. com)
In Sweden, a tradition sprang through to her feast day when Viking military heard about Saint Lucy and her valor. They imagined her as an excellent number, surrounded by light. This story was well-liked by northern people, since the days were short through the winter, making sunshine a treasured commodity. It had been also useful that Saint Lucia's day, December 13, proclaimed the beginning of the Winter Solstice, in Swedish folklore. Also corresponding to folklore, unmarried young ladies assumed that Saint Lucia would tell them who their future husband would be on her behalf feast day.
Today, the custom is celebrated with academic institutions, businesses and homes choosing the "Lucia. " The Lucia is dressed in white robes and red ribbons and wears a circlet of candles on her mind. Often, the oldest little girl performs Lucia, and greets her family with a breakfast of hot coffee and pastries called Lucia Buns. This honors the tale of Saint Lucia getting food during a famine. This newer adaptation of Saint Lucia started out in the 18th century (Dark brown).
In summary, although we do not know much simple fact about Saint Lucy, this female definitely was courageous in the face of persecution. She stood up and was very pleased to be called a Religious. This brave female is currently honored worldwide for her valor and strength.
Bridge, James. "St. Lucy. " The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 9. NY: Robert Appleton
Company, 1910. 2 Dec. 2010.
"Saint Lucy", catholic Online. N. P. , 2010. Web. 10 December, 2010.
"Saint Lucy". Saints. sqpn. com, records about your family in heaven. Sqpn. com, 2010, web. 12
December, 2010.
Brown, Lorri. "History of Saint Lucia. " Suite101. com. N. P. 2010, web. 12 December 2010.
Vann, Dad Joseph, O. F. M. ed. , and Dad Thomas Plessman. Lives of saints. N. Y. , John J.
Crawley and Co. , Inc. 1954. Press.
