One of the victims
of the great persecution under the Roman emperor Diocletian, Lucia met her
death at Syracuse on the island of Sicily in the year A.D. 304, because of her
Christian faith. Known for her charity, “Santa Lucia” (as she is called in
Italy) gave away her dowry and remained a virgin until her execution by the
sword. The name Lucia means “light,” and, because of that, festivals of light commemorating
her became popular throughout Europe, especially in the Scandinavian countries.
There her feast day corresponds with the time of year when there is the least
amount of daylight. In artistic expression she is often portrayed in a white
baptismal gown, wearing a wreath of candles on her head.
Collect of the Day
O Almighty God, by
whose grace and power Your holy martyr Lucia triumphed over suffering and
remained ever faithful unto death, grant us, who now remember her with
thanksgiving, to be so true in our witness to You in this world that we may
receive with her new eyes without tears and the crown of light and life; through
Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and forever. Amen.
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