Lucy, or Lucia, was martyred at Syracuse, in Sicily, during the Diocletian persecution of 303-304. Her tomb can still be found in the catacombs of Syracuse. She was venerated soon after her death and her cult spread quickly throughout the church. She is among the saints and martyrs named in the Roman canon of the mass.

Most of the details of Lucy’s life are obscure. In the tradition, she is remembered for her purity of life and her gentleness o…