Born a Christian with Greek ancestors, Lucia was born in Sicily in the year 283 and from a young age vowed her life to Christ. She was arranged to be married, but after delaying the marriage for three years, her pagan bridegroom finally had enough and reported her as a Christian to the governor. Lucia was first sentenced to a life of prostitution, but when the guards couldn’t move her from the floor even after tying her to a pair of oxen, she was ordered to be killed. They tortured her and gouged out her eyes, then tried to set her on fire. When the fires went out, they stabbed her to death.
CHALLENGE
St. Lucia is the patron saint of those with blindness or eye problems. Today, give the gift of sight to those who need glasses but cannot afford them. ReSpectacle takes donations of gently-used prescription eyeglasses and matches them with needy people around the world who cannot afford prescription glasses. Go to ReSpectacle.org and find out how you can help them in their mission.
A print copy of The Saint Challenge is a great Christmas gift for a family member or friend. Buy your copy today to ensure delivery by Christmas!
