بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
This Friday I am in Venice at the Church of Santa Lucia, the Patron Saint of Venice. Inside I lighted a candle for her of around one meter long. It was not allowed to film inside the church, so I held my Ghutba outside the church, next to a gypsy woman who begged under the churches' stairs. Lucy was a courageous young woman from 3rd C. Syracuse who dedicated her life to the poor. She also helped her fellow Christians hiding in the dark underground catacombs who were at risk of suffering persecution. She would wear a wreath of candles on her head to find her way in the dark, as her hands were full of food and drink for the people. Lucia was a heroine who acted on her beliefs. Santa Lucia is mentioned in the famous opera song that the gondoliers have song for decades on the waters of Venice. She was also sung by the Beatles in 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds'. Santa Lucia is a great symbol for today's young muslim women. She held fast to her beliefs and dedicated her life to God and the poor in a time when wars and oppression was rampant she held firm to her beliefs and performed miracles during and after her life. She is the patron saint of sick children, prostitutes and the blind.
Wishing you a happy and healthy new Islamic Year from Venice,
The Healthy Muslimah
Wishing you a happy and healthy new Islamic Year from Venice,
The Healthy Muslimah