Pope Francis: Saint Lucia, example of female leadership in the Catholic Church

On Saint Lucia’s Day, Pope Francis stated that “we need the work and the feminine word in a Church that is going out, which is leaven and light in culture and coexistence.”

Pope Francis has addressed a message to the Church in Syracuse on the occasion of the feast of its patron saint, the Italian martyr whom, according to tradition, the Lord allowed to continue seeing despite the fact that her eyes were gouged out during the persecution initiated by the Emperor Diocletian at the beginning of the 4th century, before being murdered out of hatred for the faith.

As part of the Lucian Year, the city of Syracuse is preparing to receive the remains of this saint, patron saint of sight, who currently rest in Venice. Saint Lucia was buried in Syracuse, her hometown. However, his remains were stolen and taken to Constantinople and, finally, after the city was sacked in 1204, they were taken to Venice, to the church of Saint Jeremiah and Saint Lucy..

The relics of the saint can be venerated in Syracuse from December 14 to 26. This is the third time that his remains have been temporarily transferred. The first was in 2004, on the occasion of the 17th centenary of his martyrdom. The second, in 2014, after an agreement with the Patriarchate of Venice that establishes this exchange every ten years.

In his message broadcast this Friday, the Holy Father celebrated this pilgrimage, “from the city that has guarded his body for eight centuries to the one where his testimony initially shone, spreading light throughout the world.”

According to the Pontiff, this movement reflects the mystery of a God “who always takes the first step, who never asks for what He Himself is not willing to do.” In this context, he stressed that the communion between two particular churches, which has made this temporary transfer possible, “in turn indicates a way of inhabiting the world capable of overcoming the darkness that surrounds us: there is light where gifts are exchanged, where the “One person’s treasure is another’s wealth.”

“The lie that destroys brotherhood and devastates creation suggests, on the other hand, that the other is an adversary and his prosperity, a threat. Too often human beings see themselves like this,” lamented the Pontiff.

“We need work and the feminine word in the Church”

Later, the Holy Father noted that “Lucia is a woman” and her holiness shows the Catholic Church “how appropriate are the ways in which women follow the Lord.”

“From the Gospel stories, the disciples of Jesus are witnesses of an intelligence and love without which the message of the Resurrection could not reach us.” For this reason, he stated that “we need the work and the feminine word in a Church that is emerging, which is leaven and light in culture and coexistence,” especially “in the heart of the Mediterranean.”

Being on the side of the light exposes us to martyrdom

He also highlighted the compassion and tenderness of Saint Lucia, “not only Christian virtues, but also political ones.” These, for the Pontiff, “represent the true force that builds the city. They give us our eyes to see, that vision that insensitivity makes us dramatically lose. And how important it is to pray for our eyes to be healed!” he exclaimed.

Being on the side of the light, he added, “also exposes us to martyrdom. Maybe they won’t lay their hands on us, but choosing which side to be on will take away some of our peace of mind.”

“There are forms of tranquility, in fact, that resemble the peace of the cemetery. Absent, as if we were already dead; or present, but like tombs: beautiful on the outside, but empty on the inside. Instead, we choose life,” he said.

Pope Francis also explained that “choosing the light” means “being clean, transparent, sincere people; communicate with others in an open, clear, respectful manner; get out of the ambiguities of life and criminal connivance; not fear difficulties.”

“Choose: here is the incandescent core of every vocation, the personal response to the call that the saints represent on our path,” he expressed.

Finally, Pope Francis asked the faithful of Syracuse not to forget to “spiritually bring on their feast” the sisters and brothers who suffer from persecution and injustice throughout the world, including migrants, refugees and the poor who are among them.