Vincent of Saragossa
Died: c.304
Canonized:
Feast Day: January 22
Patron Saint of: vintners, winegrowers
Vincent of Saragossa is the earliest known Spanish martyr. It is said that he was brought to trial by the governor Dacian along with his bishop Valerius, and that since Valerius had a speech impediment, Vincent spoke for both. His fearless manner so angered Dacian that Vincent was horribly tortured and killed; his aged bishop was only exiled.
As the legend goes, Vincent's corpse was thrown into a bog to be torn apart by wild, hungry animals. Witnesses say that a bird, a raven, protected the saint's remains fighting off all of the beasts that dared to try to feast.
PRAYER (traditional)
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.
PRAYER (contemporary)
Almighty God, whose deacon Vincent, upheld by you, was not Terrified by threats nor overcome by torments: Strengthen us to endure all adversity with invincible and steadfast faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Born: unknown
