Portrait of Saint Lucy
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Saint Lucy

Feast Day

December 13

Born

c. 283

Died

304

Canonized By

Pre-Congregation

Biography


Lucy (Lucia) was a young noblewoman in Syracuse, Sicily, who vowed her virginity to God. Her mother arranged a marriage to a pagan, but after Lucy's prayers at the tomb of St. Agatha miraculously cured her mother's bleeding disorder, the betrothal was canceled, and Lucy gave her dowry to the poor. The rejected suitor denounced her as a Christian to the governor during the Diocletian persecution. The governor ordered her to be taken to a brothel, but miraculously, the guards could not move her—she became as heavy as a mountain. They tried to burn her, but the fire would not harm her. She was finally killed by a sword thrust to the throat. Tradition says her eyes were gouged out prior to her death, but miraculously restored.

Miracles & Signs


  • Her body becoming immovable when guards tried to force her to a brothel
  • Surviving being burned alive
  • Her eyes being restored after being gouged out

Wisdom & Quotes


Those whose hearts are pure are the temples of the Holy Spirit.