Saint Lucina of the Catacombs of Callistus: Reflecting the Savior’s Kindness and Love

Lucina (or Lucy) was a wealthy Roman woman who, according to ancient legends, was converted to the Christian Faith by Saint Peter. When the persecution of the Emperor Nero began (in the year 64), Lucina showed kindness to the imprisoned Christians, including Saints Martinian and Processus, who had served as Saint Peter’s guards while he was in prison awaiting execution. These two men were converted to the Faith by Peter and were executed a few days after the Apostle.

Saint Lucina is remembered for courageously giving proper burial to the martyrs. She is believed to have suffered martyrdom herself and has been honored as a martyr since the fourth century. She is buried in the Catacomb of Saint Callistus in Rome. Today, the relics of Saints Martinian and Processes are enshrined in Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Detail of the Catacomb of Callistus

In today’s Gospel (Thursday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time) we hear how Jesus restored a paralyzed man to health. But this healing was also a sign that what was broken within the man—his sins—were forgiven. Jesus didn’t simply come performing miracles. Instead, he came to transform lives by offering God’s healing and transforming grace and forgiveness to everyone in need. The miracles and signs that we find in the Gospel were symbols of the power of God’s love and grace.

The history of our Faith is filled with stories of individuals who have experienced this grace and who have been inspired to reach out to others in service and love. At other times, Christian men, women, and children have shown extraordinary courage in the face of suffering and death. Saint Lucina, whom we honor today, was inspired through her own relationship with Christ to care for the martyrs while they were imprisoned and to practice the work of mercy of burying their remains after they were killed. Her courage and charity weren’t simply expressions of pious charity or an attempt to do the “right thing.” Instead, her works were a reflection of the kindness and love of the Savior at work in her own life.

How have you experienced God’s healing and transformative touch? How have you shared the graces you have received with others who are in need? Ask Saint Lucina to help you be attentive to how you can help relieve the suffering of others.

Prayer +

O God, by whose gift strength is made perfect in weakness, grant to all who honor the glory of blessed Lucina that she, who drew from you the strength to triumph, may likewise always obtain from you the grace of victory for us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal: Common of Martyrs—For a Holy Woman Martyr)