LUCIA and GEMINIANO, saints, martyrs. — They are commemorated in the Roman Martyrology on September 16. Most likely, LUCY is none other than the famous martyr of Syracuse by the same name, in whose honor Pope HONORIUS I (625–38) built a church in Rome, where her feast was indeed celebrated on September 16. GEMINIANO, however, is entirely unknown to authentic hagiographical tradition.
A *Passio*, probably written in the 7th century, shortly after the construction of the church, recounts that LUCY, a Roman widow, was accused by her son before Emperor DIOCLETIAN. Brought before the judge and compelled to sacrifice, she refused; she was therefore subjected to torments. Exposed afterward to the mockery of the crowd along the city streets, she happened to pass by the house of GEMINIANO, who, moved by a miracle, was converted and joined her. Both were then taken to Sicily and there martyred together with 79 others.