About
Christian virgin and martyr also known as Lucia of Syracuse and known for living during the Roman Empire and dying during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. She is known as the patron saint of the blind and those who suffer from eye diseases and her feast day on December 13 is celebrated around the world as Saint Lucy's Day, a festival of light held during the darkest days of winter.
Before Fame
She prayed to Saint Agatha of Catania after her mother became seriously ill, and when her mother was healed, she decided to dedicate her life to God. She refused to marry a pagan nobleman chosen by her family and insisted on remaining a virgin devoted to her faith. Her fiancé found out that she had donated her dowry to the poor and accused her of being a Christian which was illegal at the time. She was arrested and ordered to make a sacrifice to the Roman gods but refused. She was eventually martyred for her faith in 304 AD.
Trivia
She appears as a spiritual figure in Dante Alighieri's The Divine Comedy. She is often shown in paintings holding a dish with her eyes or carrying a lamp. She is one of the most venerated female saints in the Christian church and is recognized by Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Lutherans, and Anglicans. She was honored in Rome as early as the 6th century.
Family Life
She was born to a wealthy and noble family in Syracuse around 283 AD. Her father died when she was about five years old.
Associated With
She and Saint Teresa are both female saints recognized by the Catholic Church. She and Joan of Arc were both martyrs who died for their faith.
