January 22

Saint Vincent of Saragossa

Optional memorial · Remembered by Catholics, Anglicans and Lutherans

Deacon who refused to deny Christ under torture in Roman Spain

Vincent was a deacon of the Church of Saragossa, in Roman Spain, serving under Bishop Valerius. Tradition says the bishop had trouble speaking, so the young deacon often preached in his place. When Emperor Diocletian’s persecution reached Spain, both men were arrested by the governor, Dacian, and taken to Valencia.

Valerius was sent into exile, but Vincent was tortured to make him abandon his faith. He refused, and he died from his treatment in Valencia around 304. Later accounts add vivid scenes — a red-hot gridiron, a cell floor covered with broken pottery, ravens guarding his body — that are best read as legend.

What is certain is how quickly his memory spread. Within a century the poet Prudentius wrote a long hymn in his honour, and Augustine of Hippo preached on his feast more than once. Christians still remember Vincent as an ordinary servant of his local church whose courage under pressure gave heart to many others.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Romans 8:35–37 · BSB

A prayer

Faithful God, you gave your deacon Vincent the strength to serve your Church and to stay true to Christ when he was made to suffer. Give us steady hearts when our faith is tested, and make us ready to serve others with the same courage and love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.