Vincent, who lived in the third century, served as a deacon and became the protomartyr of Spain. During the persecution of Dacian, governor of Spain, Vincent and his bishop, Valerius of Saragossa, were arrested. The bishop was exiled, but Vincent was subjected to terrible torture before finally dying.
It is said that his skin was torn with iron hooks, and that he was bound with rope, roasted on a grid and then thrust onto a cell floor laden with broken glass. Throughout all this torture, he refused to renounce his Christian faith and continued to praise Jesus. His wonderful display of piety and faithfulness led to the later conversion of his jailer. At the end of his persecutions, his tormentors finally relented and allowed his friends to come and prepare the bed on which he died.
Saint Vincent was such an inspiration and became so well known throughout Gaul and Africa that St. Augustine delivered many sermons about him.
From Johnnette Benkovic’s Graceful Living: Meditations to Help You Grow Closer to God Day by Day
Against Christ’s army the world arrays a twofold battle line. It offers temptation to lead us astray; it strikes terror into us to break our spirit. . . . At both of these approaches, Christ rushes to our aid, and the Christian is not conquered.
— From a homily of St. Augustine on St. Vincent
What is the twofold battle line on which I am currently engaged? Can I name one grace Christ is bringing to me so that I am not conquered?
Prayer
St. Vincent, you are indeed an inspiration to others in faithful testimony under terrible torment. Thank you, dear saint, for your great endurance that stands forever as a glorious witness to Divine Truth. Amen.
Other Saints We Remember Today
St. Anastasius (628), Religious, Martyr