Saint Vincent of Saragossa
admin | 22 January 2010The collect for today, the Feast of St Vincent of Saragossa (d. 304), Deacon and Martyr (source):
Almighty God, whose deacon Vincent, upheld by thee, was not terrified by threats nor overcome by torments: Strengthen us, we beseech thee, to endure all adversity with invincible and steadfast faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
The Lesson: Revelation 7:13-17
The Gospel: St Luke 12:4-12
Vincent is the proto-Martyr (first known martyr) of Spain and the patron saint of Lisbon. He was deacon of Saragossa, Aragon, under Bishop Valerius. Both were arrested during the persecution instigated by edicts of Diocletian and Maximian. Because Valerius had a speech impediment, Vincent testified to their faith in Christ, boldly and without fear.
Dacian, Roman governor of Spain, subjected Vincent to horrible tortures. The saint was thrown into prison and weakened by semi-starvation. After refusing to sacrifice to pagan gods, he was racked, burned, and kept in stocks. He died as a result of his sufferings.
Artwork: Jaume Huguet, The Martyrdom of St. Vincent, 1450-56. Tempera on panel, Museo Nacional de Arte de Cataluña, Barcelona.