Collect: “Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saints Days:
Thursday, December 13: St Lucy
All that is really known about St. Lucy is that she was a young martyr during the Diocletian persecution of 304 A.D. Traditions has it that Lucy was born of noble parents, but her father died when she was around 5. Lucy devoted her virginity to the Lord, but her mother, not knowing this and looking to settle Lucy’s future since she was suffering from a bleeding disorder, arranged for her daughter to marry a wealthy pagan man. Lucy was told in a vision that her mother would be healed. Believing this, she told her mother to distribute their riches and the patrimony. When Lucy’s betrothed heard, he was angry and denounced her to the governor. After Lucy refused the governor’s order to burn a sacrifice to the emperor’s image, she was sentenced to be defiled in a brothel. However, the guards could not move Lucy, even when they hitched her to a team of oxen. When they piled branches around her to burn her to death, the branches would not light. In the end, Lucy met her death by the sword.
Homely Link:
- It’s not to late to start with an Advent practice; here are some ideas .
- St. Lucy’s feast day is on the 13th: here is a free crown printable
- And, here are Michelle’s lovely Advent Saint Coloring Pages for St. Nicholas and St. Lucy
- The O Antiphons will be starting next Sunday, the 16th, if you are interested in printing out these ornaments
Hymns and Carols for the Week:
December 9: People, Look East
December 10: Prepare the Way, O Zion
December 11: Down in Yon Forest
December 12: O Savior Rend the Heavens Wide: Hark, The Voice Eternal
December 13: Comfort, Comfort Ye My People
December 14: Hark, A Thrilling Voice is Sounding
December 15: On Jordan’s Bank
Books to Buy or Borrow
The Homely Hours 