At the end of the 3rd century, when the light of faith was already shining out to many, a young girl named Lucia lived in Campania. The only thing we know about her is that she was a Christian. During a raid by a Germanic tribe, Lucia was captured. While dividing the loot, she was seen by the tribal chief, Rix. The southern beauty of the girl so impressed the leader that he wished her for himself. But Lucia was determined to preserve her chastity and was ready to accept death sooner. Such courage struck Ricks. He placed the girl in a separate house, provided servants and wanted to know more about the mysterious Christ. They spent a lot of time talking and over the years, Ricks also accepted Christ as his Savior.
After 20 quiet years, during the reign of Diocletian, Christians were subjected to monstrous persecution. Every day there were reports of executions and cruel torture. Some followers of Christ lived in fear that something similar would happen to them. But there were people who wanted to commit martyrdom. Lucia was one of them. She begged Rix to let her go to Rome to suffer for the Lord. Ricks initially didn’t want to let her go, but Lucia convinced him it was her desire. Seeing the power of her faith, Rix decided not only to let Lucia go, but to follow her.
Upon their arrival in Rome, they declared themselves followers of Christ, were captured and publicly executed. They had their heads cut off. Together with Lucia and Ricks, many believers suffered: Isidor, Anthony, Lucian, Diodorus and others.
Memorial Days
July 19
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
