“Those whose hearts are pure are temples of the Holy Spirit.”
-St. Lucy
St. Lucy was a young woman who lived in the 4th century, during the time of Christian persecution by Emperor Diocletian. Her name means “light.”
According to the most prominent legend, Lucy desired to be a virgin and consecrate her life to Christ, but her mother arranged a marriage for her with a pagan nobleman. Lucy delayed the wedding and prayed for her mother at the tomb of St. Agatha. Lucy’s mother was miraculously cured of an ailment she had been suffering from, and she was persuaded to donate Lucy’s dowry to the poor and allow Lucy to remain unmarried.
Lucy’s betrothed grew angry, and he reported Lucy’s faith to the chief official. He had her thrown into a brothel, but God protected her. After many attempts on her life, Lucy finally suffered martyrdom. St. Lucy is the patron saint of blindness because one legend has it that her eyes were miraculously restored after being removed during persecution.
Purpose of the St. Lucy Novena
The novena, typically recited for nine consecutive days leading up to Saint Lucy’s feast day on December 13, serves as a helpful prayer for those who suffer from eye ailments or those who would like the grace to align their vision to Christ’s to use it for the glory of God and the salvation of the world.
How to Pray the Novena to St. Lucy
Saint Lucy’s life story is one of remarkable courage and faith. She refused to renounce her Christianity despite facing threats and torture. She is an incredible role model for those facing difficulties or seeking to strengthen their faith.
Begin by reciting this prayer every day for nine days.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Lucy, your beautiful name signifies light. By the light of faith which God bestowed upon you, increase and preserve this light in my soul so that I may avoid evil, be zealous in the performance of good works, and abhor nothing as much as the blindness and darkness of evil and sin.
By your intercession with God, obtain for me perfect vision for my bodily eyes and the grace to use them for God’s great honor and glory and the salvation of all men.
Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions.
Amen.
(Mention your personal request here…)
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed are thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and forever shall be, world without end.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Lucy, pray for us!
(Source)
More Novenas
If you are interested in praying more novenas, check these out below.