When Lucille Ball died in 1989, they celebrated her funeral at Saint Monica’s in Santa Monica, California. Lucille Ball was a comedic genius who entertained millions of viewers weekly on 100 episodes of the “I Love Lucy” show. Whether she lit up the television screen stuffing her cheeks with chocolates on an assembly line, or brawling with an Italian peasant woman as they both turned from stomping grapes to stomping on each other - everyone fell in love with Lucy.
At the conclusion of the funeral Mass for Lucille, the pastor of Saint Monica’s parish turned to a gentleman in the congregation, the well-known founder of the Crystal Cathedral and the Hour of Power Television show, saying: “Rev. Schuler, Bob, you were a friend of Lucy’s. Would you like to say a few words?”
Schuler spontaneously accepted. From the microphone he asked the congregation to stand and repeat after him three times, as loudly as they could three words: I LOVE LUCY! They did, and blew the top of the Church off, figuratively.
Lucy was one of hundreds of Hollywood stars who accepted Father Patrick Peyton’s invitation to act in or host an episode of the Family Theater of the Air Radio programs. Bing Crosby, Loretta Young, Gregory Peck, Rosalind Russell, Raymond Burr, Ann Blythe, Princess Grace, even Ronald Reagan and old time favorites, Fibber McGee and Molly appeared on the shows. Every episode featured a major Hollywood personality, a full drama with beginning, middle and end and concluded with a powerful reminder that “the family that prays together stays together.”
There is another Lucy to celebrate today. This Lucy's life is shrouded in mystery.
However, we do know that she was a young, noble woman of Syracuse, Sicily, martyred for the faith and virginity around the year 304 A.D. We invoke her as the patroness of blind people.
Since the middle ages, Lucy has inspired festivals of light, especially in northern climates. In fact, on this day, the eldest daughter in many Scandinavian homes rises early, dons a white dress with red sash in honor of Saint Lucy Martyr, prepares breakfast for the family, and then, wearing a crown of lit candles on her head, proceeds with great joy to wake the members of the family and invite them to begin Saint Lucy’s day with a tasty celebration of breakfast.
These cold winter days are the perfect time for families to recommit themselves to Christ, whose Advent we celebrate with beautiful candles.
Saint Lucy, pray for us.
Let’s stand and say it together, "I love Lucy!"
- Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page.(You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
- To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EST, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
