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Also known
as: Vincent of Zaragoza; Vincent the Deacon; Vincent Tourante;
Vincent of Aragon
Profile
Friend of Saint Valerius of Saragossa in Spain, and served as his deacon.
Imprisoned and tortured in Valencia, some of it by burning on a gridiron,
for his faith. Converted the jailer. Was finally offered release if he
would give up the sacred texts to the fire, but he refused. Martyred
during the persecutions of Diocletian. Acts written by the poet Prudentius.
Born: at Heusca
Died: martyred c.304 at Valencia
Patronage: Portugal, vine dressers, vinegar makers, vintners, wine
growers, wine makers
Representation: deacon holding a ewer; deacon holding several ewers
and a book; deacon with a raven; deceased deacon whose body is being
defended by ravens; deacon being torn by hooks; deacon holding a millstone
Reading
"To you has been granted in Christ's behalf not only that you should
believe in him but also that you should suffer for him."
Vincent had received both these gifts and held them as his own. For how
could he have them if he had not received them? And he displayed his faith
in what he said, his endurance in what he suffered.
No one ought to be confident in his own strength when he undergoes
temptation. For whenever we endure evils courageously, our long-suffering
comes from him Christ.
He once said to his disciples: "In this world you will suffer
persecution," and then, to allay their fears, he added, "but rest assured,
I have conquered the world."
There is no need to wonder then, my dearly beloved brothers, that Vincent
conquered in him who conquered the world. It offers temptation to lead us
astray; it strikes terror into us to break out spirit.
Hence if our personal pleasures do not hold us captive, and if we are not
frightened by brutality, then the world is overcome. At both of these
approaches Christ rushes to our aid, and the Christian is not conquered.
from a sermon by Saint Augustine of Hippo
source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintv04.htm |
