Born in Sicily around 283, her parents were nobles but her father died when she was just five years old. 

Most of what we know about Lucy is based on tradition and legend but we do know this; she was a martyr. Her mother, Lucia, was concerned about Lucy’s future because her own health was in decline and she had lost her husband. 

Unaware that Lucy had promised her life to Jesus, Lucy’s mother also did not know Lucy intended to give her dowry away to the poor. 

She made arrangements for Lucy to marry the pagan son of a wealthy family. Then Lucy and her mother made a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Agatha, and it was during this journey that Lucy told her mother of her plans. 

Her mother suggested that Lucy marry and give her wealth to the poor after her death. But Lucy said: “Whatever you give away after your death you give because you cannot take it with you. Give now, to the True Savior, while you are healthy, whatever you intended to give away at your death.” 

So, Lucy and her mother distributed all of her dowry to the poor, including her jewelry. 

When the young man Lucy was promised to find out about this, he denounced Lucy to the Roman governor of Syracuse, who demanded she burn a sacrifice to the Emperor’s image. 

When Lucy refused, he demanded she be sent to a brothel. However, when guards came to take her away, they could not move her, even with a team of oxen. 

Bundles of wood were then piled around her and she was set on fire, but she would not burn. 

Finally, Lucy was murdered with a sword. But, before her death, she warned the governor he would be punished. Hearing this, he ordered the guards to gouge out her eyes. 

But there is another legend that says Lucy removed her own eyes to discourage a persistent suitor. 

She was martyred in 304.

St. Lucy, please pray for us.