One of the most ancient s to Saint Lucia is the following:
“O Saint Lucia, virgin and martyr,
you believed and trusted in the word of Christ,
and you gave your life for His sake.
You were a shining light in the darkness,
a true witness to the love and goodness of God.
Take pity on us, O Saint Lucia,
and intercede for us before the throne of God.
We ask you to pray for us,
that we may have the same faith and courage
that you had, to face the trials and challenges of life.
We ask you to pray for our families and our communities,
that they may be filled with love, peace, and joy.
We ask you to pray for our world,
that it may be healed of its divisions, hatreds, and violence.
O Saint Lucia, guide us along the path of righteousness,
and lead us to eternal life with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.”
This prayer encapsulates the essence of Saint Lucia’s life and teachings – her unwavering faith in Christ, her selfless love for others, and her courage in the face of adversity. It also expresses the universal human desire for peace, love, and harmony, not just in our own lives but in the world around us.
Saint Lucia was born in Sicily in the year 283 and was martyred for her faith in the year 304, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. According to legend, she was a devout Christian who had pledged herself to a life of virginity and vowed to serve Christ alone. When a suitor proposed to her, she refused him, saying that she had already given her heart to Jesus. The suitor, angered by her rejection, reported her to the authorities, who arrested her and subjected her to unspeakable torture and humiliation, including the removal of her eyes. Despite her suffering, Saint Lucia never wavered in her faith, and she died proclaiming the glory of God.
Over the centuries, Saint Lucia’s story and example has inspired countless people, not just in the Christian faith but in other religions as well. Her name “light,” and she is often depicted holding a lamp or a wreath of candles – symbols of the light of Christ that she carried within her and that she radiated to others. In some parts of the world, particularly in Scandinavia, Saint Lucia’s day (December 13th) is celebrated with great ceremony, with young girls dressed in white robes and wreaths of candles on their heads, singing hymns and distributing sweets and treats to their families and friends.
In conclusion, the ancient prayer to Saint Lucia reflects the timeless wisdom and inspiration that this saint continues to offer to the world. Whether we are seeking comfort and solace in times of trouble, or striving to live out our own faith more fully, we can turn to Saint Lucia as a beacon of hope and grace. Her example of love, courage, and devotion to God is a model for all of us to follow, and her intercession is a powerful source of grace and peace in our lives.