Saint Lucy was born to a wealthy noble family in Sicily during the late third century. Her father died when she was a baby and her mother, Eutychia, was gravely ill during most of Lucy’s childhood.
When Eutychia suffered a terrible hemorrhage which the doctors could not manage, young Lucy dragged the body of her dying mother to the altar of Saint Agatha in Catania to ask for a miracle.
Saint Lucy’s Conversion
Exhausted, Lucy fell asleep at the foot of the altar. As she slept, she had a vision of Saint Agatha who said, “Virgin Sister, you need no help. Your faith alone will cure your mother.”
Lucy awoke, looked at her mother’s nearly lifeless body and said: “You are healed.” Instantly, Eutychia was well.
This miraculous healing caused Lucy and her mother to convert to Christianity and give away all of their worldly possessions. Lucy took a vow of chastity, and is known as one of the "virgin saints."
Saint Lucy’s Martyrdom
Paschasius, Lucy’s pagan suitor, was not happy about Lucy’s conversion to Christianity or her vow of chastity, so he dragged her into court where she was sentenced to perform in a brothel. Lucy stood so firm in her faith that neither the strongest Sicilian men nor a team of oxen could move her to the brothel. They tried setting her on fire but the flames danced around her skirts and wouldn’t consume her.
Enraged, Paschasius put a sword to her throat, but before he could behead her, she plucked out her eyeballs and handed them to him as a gift since he had always admired them. As soon as she removed her eyes, another pair miraculously grew in their place. She is frequently pictured as holding a spare pair of eyes on a platter.
How to Ask Saint Lucy for Help
- Lucy’s name means “light” so it’s appropriate to light a candle and place it next to a picture of her.
- Place tiny fake eyeballs or a picture of two eyes in front of the candle and picture.
- Say the following prayer:
"Dearest Saint Lucy,
"You did not hide your light but rather let is shine for the world to see.
"Please help my own eyes in this special case, and also illuminate my life.
"Please give me the ability to see clearly how I can help others in my work, and at play, and during conversations with others throughout my day.
"Please pray to the Father on my behalf for healing and the gift of sight. Amen."
Lucy the Incorruptible
Amazingly, even though she died centuries ago, Lucy’s body remains fresh and uncorrupted by decay in a tiny church in Naples. For more information about more incorruptible saints follow this link.
