St. Vincent of Zaragoza

Their story

Vincent was a deacon of the Church of Zaragoza in Spain in the late third and early fourth century. He served under Bishop Valerius, who had difficulty speaking, so Vincent preached on the bishop's behalf. He was known for his knowledge of the Scriptures and for his care of the poor. In 303 the emperor Diocletian began the last and most terrible persecution of the Roman era. The governor Dacian had Vincent and his bishop arrested and taken in chains to Valencia. Valerius was sent into exile, but Vincent, who had spoken out boldly, was tortured cruelly to make him give up his faith and hand over the Church's sacred books. He refused, and he remained calm and even joyful throughout his suffering. Vincent died in prison in Valencia around the year 304. The early Church honored him greatly, and St. Augustine preached about him several times, saying that his strength came not from himself but from Christ. Devotion to him spread throughout Spain, Portugal and France, and he is the patron of Lisbon and of winemakers. In the United States his feast is kept on January 23, because January 22 is set aside as a day of prayer for the legal protection of unborn children. Vincent reminds us that deacons are called to serve, to proclaim the Gospel and, if needed, to give their lives for Christ.