Today is the feast of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr.
Born into a wealthy family, Lucy’s father died when she was young and her mother suffered from a chronic hemorrhage that was healed after Lucy prayed to St. Agatha. Lucy’s mother agreed to give the dowry for Lucy’s arranged marriage to the poor as an act of faith.
After her engagement was called off, the intended groom, a pagan, turned her over for persecution and torture including having her eyes gauged out. Legend notes when burning her at the stake did not work, Lucy was run through with swords. Upon her burial, her eyes had been restored.
St. Lucy, patroness of people afflicted with diseases of the eyes….pray for us!
