Abstract

ORTIZ-HIDALGO, Carlos. Lucy of Syracuse. Patron saint of eye disorders. Rev. mex. oftalmol [online]. 2021, vol.95, n.1, pp.28-34.  Epub June 25, 2021. ISSN 2604-1227.  https://doi.org/10.24875/rmo.m20000152.

Saint Lucy (the virgin martyr of Syracuse) is recognized today as the patroness of those who suffer from blindness and eye ailments. Lucy was accused of being a Christian, and was executed in Syracuse, in 304 during the Diocletianic Persecution. Lucy had consecrated her virginity to God; however, her mother Eutychia arranged Lucy’s marriage to a young man. Lucy refused to marry him and was punished by governor Paschasius who ordered the guards to remove her eyes. This is the reason why Lucy is the patron saint of eye illnesses. When her body was being prepared for burial, it was discovered that her eyes had been miraculously restored. In paintings, Lucy is frequently shown holding her eyes on a golden dish. She also holds the palm branch, a symbol of martyrdom and victory over evil. Her feast day is December 13th.

Keywords : Saint Lucy; Patroness of the blind.

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