Her Death Freed Christianity From the Catacombs - Saint Lucy's ...

thy faith can obtain for thy
mother?” Saint Agatha then
assured Lucy that God would
work the desired cure, and for
having preserved her virginity
inviolate, God would reward
her in Syracuse with the same
glory she herself had received
in Catania. Lucy inspired by
this vision was now confirmed
in her resolution of remaining
always consecrated
to our Lord, and told her
mother of her vow. Lucy also
told her to distribute her fortune
among the poor widows
and orphans.
Eutychia was disturbed with that statement.
Although the bleeding had lessened
and she was felling better, she did
not answer Lucy right away, but waited
to reply while they were on their journey
home. Eutychia then told Lucy
that at her death she would bequeath
all to her, and that she might do with it
as she pleased. Lucy replied to her
mother “that out of gratitude for your
miraculous cure and for your many
years of suffering you should be willingly
to deprive yourself during this
life.” After a few moments Eutychia
consented.
Upon their return home Lucy’s suitor
was waiting to see if the time was right
to begin preparations for a wedding. It
was a couple of years since the time Eutychia
had promised to give her daughter
away to him in matrimony.
Eutychia told him that she was feeling
better but needed Lucy to be home for
awhile to help her with various domestic
duties. The suitor left unhappy, although
he would return in six months.
Saint Lucy Feeding the Poor - Jacobello del Fiore
Meanwhile, Lucy began selling her possessions
and distributing the money she
received from her dowry to those in
need. She also gave alms to the Church
which was literally underground in the
catacombs. These were long dark tunnels
where Christians spent time hiding,
praying, saying Mass, and where
they buried the dead and venerated
their relics. During this time of persecution
the Christians were tortured
and put to death if they did not accept
the pagan gods.
Lucy was unafraid of the Emperor or
his edicts. She placed candles or oil
lamps on her head and went into the
caves and tunnels. She brought food to
the hungry, clothing for the naked, and
supplies to the sick. She helped Priests
and Bishops get through the tunnels
safely when they needed to perform the
sacraments.
Lucy desired religious life, but the
Church was still not free. She prayed to
God that someday Christians would be
able to worship God freely, and come
out of the darkness and into the light.
Temple of the Holy Spirit
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