[su_dropcap style=”flat”]T[/su_dropcap]HANK GOD for the Freedom to speak on paper one’s thoughts, at least for now. I make no bones about being a devout Catholic and someone who loves my Faith, my Church and my God so, so much. My Faith has been my strength in so many aspects of my life.
Today, I want to share a story that during this time before Good Friday I feel is worth sharing, and to make aware of what most already know, that so many Christians are being martyred for their Faith in many countries. Even children, the most innocent of all are being slaughtered in countries across the globe.
Catholics believe in Saints and I am going to introduce one to you now who is considered the Patron of Writer’s, and those with Eye disease, as writers use their eyes for their work. I hope that when the reader is done learning of this beautiful Saint they will appreciate a little more of the freedom they currently possess. I am not here to put my views on anyone; I write what I feel with openness to let Freedom of thoughts come from the individual.
Saint Lucy was a virgin martyr who was unwavering in her faith at the moment of her death. She preserved her virginal integrity despite the immoral intentions of her tormentors. Many witnessed this unmoving faithfulness by God’s power of this defenseless young girl.
Lucy is said to have been a native of Syracuse in Sicily. Her mother was healed through the intercession of another Saint, Saint Agatha. Lucy commended her life to Christ and her possessions to the poor. Her pagan suitor became incensed at this and turned her into the Roman authorities; who tortured her without mercy. The prison guards even tried to make a prostitute of Lucy, but when they laid hands on her to bring her to a house of ill repute, her body was found to be so heavy that they could not move her from the spot. They tried to burn her then and there, but the fire would not take. At last, they stabbed her through the heart.
In some accounts, Lucy’s torturers gouged her eyes out, which has led to her patronage of those who suffer from eye disease and those who rely on their eyes for their work, including weavers, seamstresses, notaries, and writers.
On a final note, I bring to attention some may already know about, but at the beginning of this month, 4 Missionary of Charity nuns, in Yemen were executed and a handful of those they cared for met the same fate. Along with this terrorist act, a priest by the name of Fr. Tom was taken and for days since, no one knew where he was or had any information until yesterday when those of us in the Lay Missionary of Charities were informed that Fr. Tom is being held and tortured in the hands of those that stormed the facility (which by the way was hardly covered over the news media stations, if at all) and who’s family live in Dallas, Texas. Now they have been informed that Fr. Tom will be crucified on Good Friday.
I love my country as well, and I am concerned for the future of the young generation, what they will inherit.
Again, we are living in very dangerous times and uncertainty, and many are being killed for their faith. I ask that as Easter, approaches, Easter a time of joy and the Resurrection of the Son of Man, that even if one does not believe in God, that one will have in their heart to reflect on the goodness that remains in the our lives, love those who mean so much to you and remain thankful for the freedom we have and all that we can do in this country. My prayers are with those who lost their lives and their families who now must morn. Blessings to every living soul in this world.
You are welcome for your heart is humble and I wish I had the ability to quote Scripture so eloquently. Blessings this Easter!
Lynn, thank you for sharing your faith. This is a sad, but hopeful story. You’re right about future generations. Persecution for beliefs is happening and it is frightening. I hate that so many are called to live out Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. I didn’t know that there are so many saints. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us.