Saint Lucy, Patroness of the Blind
The martyr Lucy (AD 283-304) was one of hundreds of Christian young women who consecrated their lives to Christ in the third century of the early Church in Rome. Her protests against being forced to marry a pagan man led to her betrayal to the Roman authorities by her betrothed husband; Lucy was tortured to death, as tradition holds, by the gouging of her eyes.
Her feast day is celebrated especially in Sweden, where elements of light and sight, as well as the martyr's crown, are combined in a beautiful family custom appropriate for Advent celebration; the eldest daughter of the household, wearing a white dress with a sash of crimson and a crown of branches set with lighted candles, rises early to serve breakfast to her family...
Lord, let now thy servant depart in peace; for these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, whom you have given for all the world to see- a light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.
Her feast day is celebrated especially in Sweden, where elements of light and sight, as well as the martyr's crown, are combined in a beautiful family custom appropriate for Advent celebration; the eldest daughter of the household, wearing a white dress with a sash of crimson and a crown of branches set with lighted candles, rises early to serve breakfast to her family...
Lord, let now thy servant depart in peace; for these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, whom you have given for all the world to see- a light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.
posted by MM at 3:32 PM
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