St Peter’s Anglican Church

St Vincent - January 22

Spanish Deacon and Martyr, Saragossa

Vincent was born at Saragossa in Aragon. Most of what we know about this saint comes from the poet Prudentius. His Acts have been rather freely colored by the imagination of their compiler.

Vincent was ordained deacon by Valerian, Bishop of Saragossa. According to the legend, Valerian suffered from a speech impediment and used Vincent to speak for him. The Roman emperors had published their edicts against the clergy in 303, and the following year against the laity. During the general persecution, Dacian, the governor of Spain, had both Valerian and Vincent arrested. He then gave them the opportunity to save their lives by denying Christ and sacrificing to the gods. Vincent replied for them both with a strong affirmation of faith. Valerian was sent into exile, and Dacian, the Roman governor, now turned the full force of his fury on Vincent. Tortures that sound very modern were tried. But their main effect was the progressive disintegration of Dacian himself. He had the torturers beaten because they failed. Finally Dacian suggested a compromise: Would Vincent at least give up the sacred books to be burned according to the emperor’s edict? He would not. Torture on the gridiron continued, Vincent remaining courageous, the torturer losing control of himself. Vincent was thrown into a filthy prison cell and converted the jailer. Dacian wept with rage, but strangely enough, ordered the prisoner to be given some rest.

Friends among the faithful came to visit Vincent, but he was to have no earthly rest. When they finally settled him on a comfortable bed, he went to his eternal rest.

Source: https://www.anglican.org.nz/Resources/Worship-Resources-Karakia-ANZPB-HKMOA/For-All-the-Saints-A-Resource-for-the-Commemorations-of-the-Calendar/For-All-the-Saints