Saint Lucy, also known as Lucia of Syracuse, was a Christian martyr. She was born to a rich and noble family.
She was also one of the best known virgin martyrs, she had consecrated her virginity to God, and aimed to distribute her dowry to help the poor. According to accounts of Saint Lucy’s life, news that the patrimony and jewels were being distributed came to Lucy’s betrothed, who denounced her to Paschasius, the Governor of Syracuse. Paschasius ordered her to burn a sacrifice to the emperor’s image. When she refused, Paschasius sentenced her to be defiled in a brothel. Some said that when the guards came to take her away, they could not move her even when they hitched her to a team of oxen. Bundles of wood were then heaped about her and set on fire, but would not burn.
Finally, she met her death by the sword thrust into her throat. Saint Lucy is venerated on her feast day, December 13. In Sweden, St. Lucia’s Day marks the beginning of the Christmas celebration. The festival is meant to bring hope and light during the darkest time of the year.
