Why is Saint Lucy invoked for the eyes?

Tradition holds that before martyrdom she kept her sight to glorify God, becoming patroness of light and vision.

Saint Lucy

Feast day: December 13

Sicilian virgin martyr, patroness of light, sight, and those with eye ailments.

Lucy was born in Syracuse, Sicily, around 283, into a noble Christian family.

She consecrated her virginity to God and gave her goods to the poor, becoming a target during Diocletian's persecutions.

Tradition holds that to resist a suitor she entrusted her eyes to God and remained steadfast in faith.

She was condemned to martyrdom and died by the sword around 304, remaining faithful to Christ.

Her devotion spread through Italy and the world, especially among those with eye ailments.

Her liturgical feast is December 13. She is invoked as patroness of light and vision.

To the virgin martyr patroness of light and sight, we ask health of the eyes and steadfastness in faith.