The Feast of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr.

Saint Lucy was an early 4th century virgin martyr whose December 13th Feast Day is celebrated widely especially in Italy and Scandinavia.  According to tradition, Lucy was promised in marriage, but refused because of her vow of perpetual virginity. Attempts to force Lucy to abandon her Christian beliefs ensued, including the gouging of her eyes. According to legend her eyesight was later restored. Statues of Saint Lucy depict her holding a plate holding two eyeballs. She is the patron saint of the blind.

In the Scandinavian countries she is pictured in a white robe, wearing a crown of lit candles, as she delivers bread to Christians hiding in the catacombs.

In Sicily, she is honored for saving the people from a1646 famine when a boatload full of grain miraculously appeared. To celebrate, Sicilians refrain from consuming pasta and bread and instead eat a pudding called cuccia made from wheat berries and sugar.

Here is a picture of her statue in the sanctuary in Saint Regis Church:




Prayer:
Saint Lucy, you did not hide your light under a basket, but let it shine for the whole world, for all the centuries to see. We may not suffer torture in our lives the way you did, but we are still called to let the light of our Christianity illumine our daily lives. Please help us to have the courage to bring our Christianity into our work, our recreation, our relationships, our conversation -- every corner of our day. Amen
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Action:  
Celebrate the spirit of Saint Lucy:
Help a blind person with a chore.
Share a baked good with someone.

The song “Santa Lucia” and procession:

Lyrics to "Santa Lucia":

Now 'neath the silver moon Ocean is glowing,
O'er the calm billows, soft winds are blowing.
Here balmy breezes blow, pure joys invite us,
And as we gently row, all things delight us.

Chorus:
Hark, how the sailor's cry joyously echoes nigh:
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!
Home of fair Poesy, realm of pure harmony,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

When o'er the waters light winds are playing,
Thy spell can soothe us, all care allaying.
To thee sweet Napoli, what charms are given,
Where smiles creation, toil blest by heaven.