There have been three Lucies in my life for whom I have great affection: the iconic comedic actress Lucille Ball, a cherished spiritual mentor also named Lucy, and the powerful Saint Lucy. Their collective presence has made a significant impact on my life.
Lucille Ball: Relatable and Hilarious
I do love Lucy! The classic TV show, of course. And the actress, too—Lucille Ball. What’s not to love about a wonderfully relatable, red-haired woman getting mixed up in all kinds of trouble with her loyal pal, Ethel Mertz? I have such vivid memories of laughing alongside this iconic character whose reruns seemed to play constantly throughout my childhood and coming-of-age years. I Love Lucy was more than a sitcom. It taught us the enduring power of friendship and to see the humor in everyday mishaps.
A Spiritual Mentor: A Gift of Providence
Providence gifted me a mentor in the mother of one of my dear friends, who also shared the name Lucy. This Lucy reminded me often of her prayers for me, and she never missed a chance to treat me to coffee and a catch-up, while praying over the happenings in my life. She was, and continues to be, one of the most prayerful women I have ever known, a true example of faith in action and a beacon of light to me.
It wasn’t until much later that I was introduced to a third Lucy.
Saint Lucy: A Heavenly Friend
My introduction to Saint Lucy came when I was hired as a nanny for several summers at the home of a dear family friend. There, I was introduced to an elderly family member, who was on her way home after a visit. As I greeted her, she grasped both of my hands, pleading for my intercession to Saint Lucy for the restoration of her eyesight. I assured her of my prayers and made a quick mental note to introduce myself to this Saintly intercessor who was so deeply trusted by this dear woman.
Saint Lucy: Patroness of the Blind and All With Eye Troubles
Saint Lucy, or Saint Lucia, is commemorated on December 13. She is remembered as a virgin martyr who died for her faith in 304 AD under the Roman Emperor Diocletian.
Legend has it that through the intercession of another martyr, Saint Agatha, Saint Lucy was able to convince her mother that she should not be forced to marry the man to whom she was betrothed. Instead, Lucy felt called to commit her life to Christ, her true Bridegroom. Not only that, but through Saint Agatha’s intercession, her mother’s illness was also healed.
Lucy’s betrothed desired revenge on her because of this, and he told Governor Paschasius of Lucy’s Christian faith (At the time, participation in the life of the Christian community remained illegal). The governor tried to force her into a brothel to defile her, but miraculously, no one was able to move her—even with a team of oxen. When that was unsuccessful, they attempted to burn her, but the flames did not consume her. Finally, she was killed by the sword, a clear act of torture that aligns with the persecution of Christians during that time. Legend goes on to say that part of her torture included gouging out her eyes, while other accounts suggest that she did it herself to appear less desirable to her betrothed. This is why Saint Lucy is often depicted in iconography holding a plate with a pair of eyes, and why she is the patroness of those with eye maladies.
Observance of Saint Lucy’s Day
Besides her gruesome martyrdom, Saint Lucy is also remembered for profound Christian charity. During the persecution, she brought food to Christians in hiding. As she traveled in the dark, she wore candles on her head to permit her hands to carry as much food as possible.
The etymology of the name Lucy, or Lucia, meaning “light,” has become synonymous with the celebration or festival of light, perfectly timed as her feast falls near the shortest and darkest day of the year.
In observance of Saint Lucy’s (or Saint Lucia’s) Day, a beautiful tradition is carried out widely in Scandinavia and Italy. Very often, a young girl wearing a white robe and red sash, with a wreath of lit candles on her head, carries saffron rolls in the dark of the early morning to her family’s breakfast table. The white of her robe signifies her Baptismal identity, while the red sash is a reminder of Saint Lucy’s death as a martyr.
Whether or not you have a “Lucy” at your house, this tradition is a beautiful way to enter more deeply into the Advent season.
In some countries, including Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, parades take place wherein “Lucy” carries the Light of Christ into the darkness of the season, accompanied by other Advent Saints such as Saint Stephen or Saint Nicholas. This custom continues to be a beautiful and public witness during the Advent season, of our own waiting for the coming of Jesus, the Light of the World.
Listen Up and Enter In
Saint Lucy is included among seven virgin martyrs (Saints Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Agnes, Cecilia, Catherine, and Anastasia) who are commemorated in the Church’s most ancient Eucharistic prayer (Eucharistic Prayer I). What a gift to be bearers of the stories of all manner of holy women and men! Her name may have slipped your notice in the past. Therefore, I challenge you to listen up the next time the priest prays this prayer at Mass.
While you’re at it, whether it’s lighting a candle as a reminder that Christ is our Light or baking saffron rolls in the early morning hours, I encourage you to enter into Saint Lucy’s Day as part of your Advent journey toward Christmas.
Katie Cassady is a regular contributor to the BIS blog. She is a wife and mom to three little girls in Denver, CO. Steeped in theological reflection, beekeeping and motherhood, she is appreciative of any and all wisdom she can glean from those living intentional lives of faith. Find out more about her here. Read all of Katie's posts here.
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