FEAST OF ST. LUCY – DECEMBER 13th
By Sister Ann Helene, OSF
The feast of St. Lucy is celebrated each year on December 13. Lucy lived on the island of Sicily around the year 300 and is considered one of the early martyrs; the Roman Emperor Diocletian put her to death, because of her faith.
The name “Lucy” means “light.” Many centuries ago, before the calendar was revised, December 13 was considered the shortest day of the year. After December 13, days became longer and offered more light.
On the feast of St. Lucy, St. Agnes School in Buffalo, New York, had the custom that one of the 8th-grade students would dress up in a white altar server cassock and wear on his or her head a wreath with paper candles and paper flames to symbolize light. The student would visit each classroom throughout the day and tell the students a brief story about St. Lucy and offer the students a treat of cookies and juice.
A special prayer that can be offered on the feast of St. Lucy reminds us to be a light for others as we prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.
Prayer
God of light, during these days when nights grow longer, we thank you for the gift of light and for the warmth of your love. Help us, like St. Lucy, to be a light for others and to share the joy we feel as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Help us to be more aware of those who are hungry or homeless and of what we can do to help them. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
