Saint of the day for January 22: the story of Saint Vincent of Zaragoza

(a.c. 304)

Most of what we know about this saint comes from the poet Prudentius. His Acts have been colored rather freely by their compiler's imagination. But St. Augustine, in one of his sermons on St. Vincent, speaks of having before him the Acts of his martyrdom. We are at least sure of his name, of his being a deacon, of the place of his death and burial.

According to the story we have, the unusual devotion he inspired must have had a basis in a very heroic life. Vincent was ordained a deacon by his friend Saint Valerius of Zaragoza in Spain. The Roman emperors had published their edicts against the clergy in 303 and the following year against the laity. Vincent and his bishop were imprisoned in Valencia. Hunger and torture failed to break them. Like the young men in the fiery furnace, they seemed to thrive in suffering.

Valerio was sent into exile and Daco, the Roman governor, now turned the full force of his fury on Vincenzo. Tortures have been tried that sound very modern. But their main effect was the progressive disintegration of Dacian himself. He had the torturers beaten because they failed.

Eventually he suggested a compromise: Would Vincent at least give up the sacred books to be burned according to the emperor's edict? He wouldn't do that. The torture on the grill continued, the prisoner remained brave, the torturer lost control of himself. Vincent was thrown into a dirty jail cell and converted the jailer. Dacian wept in anger, but strangely ordered the prisoner to rest for a while.

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

Reflection

Martyrs are heroic examples of what the power of God can do. It is humanly impossible, we realize, for someone to be tortured like Vincent and remain faithful. But it is equally true that with human power alone no one can remain faithful even without torture or suffering. God does not come to our rescue in isolated and "special" moments. God is supporting super cruisers and children's toy boats.