Legend has it that Saint Vincent once stopped by the edge of a vineyard to talk with the men working there and while he was at it, his donkey nibbled at the young vine shoots. Come the next harvest, it was discovered that the vine stock that had been browsed had produced more fruit than all the others. St Vincent’s donkey had invented the art of vine pruning. This is one of the reasons that he is the patron saint of vine dressers; vinegar makers; vintners; wine growers; wine makers.

Vincent was ordained deacon by his friend St. Valerius of Zaragossa 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 youths in the fiery furnace (Book of Daniel, chapter three), they seemed to thrive on suffering.

Valerius was sent into exile, and Dacian, the Roman governor, now turned the full force of his fury on Vincent. Tortures that sound like those of World War II were tried. But their main effect was the progressive disintegration of Dacian himself. He had the torturers beaten because they failed.

Finally he 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, the prisoner 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 him, but he was to have no earthly rest. When they finally settled him on a comfortable bed, he went to his eternal rest.

According to legend, after being martyted, ravens protected St. Vincent’s body from being devoured by wild animals, until his followers could recover the body. His body was taken to what is now known as Cape St. Vincent; a shrine was erected over his grave, which continued to be guarded by flocks of ravens. King Afonso Henriques (1139-1185) had the body of the saint exhumed in 1173 and brought it by ship to the Monastery of San Vicente de Fora in Lisbon and now St. Vincent is the patron of Lisbon, Portugal. This transfer of the relics is depicted on the coat of arms of Lisbon.

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning - FREE!

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

12 COMMENTS

  1. As an admiror of your great work of hagiography I want to recommend you two very complete blogs about the legend , art and history of Saint Vincent of Saragossa as a very important saint in Spain in fourth century, developed by Via Vicentius . These webs are written in Spanish by Via Vicentius but it can be easily translated to english or any other language with the translator tool that the web includes. It would be great if you visit the web for public knowledge of our work .Thanks for your attention.

    http://viavicentius.blogspot.com
    http://www.caminodesanvicentemartir.es

    Salvador Raga
    President

    Very complete web about pilgrim way from Huesca to Valencia for walkers and cyclists of Saint Vincent of Saragossa as a very important saint in Spain in fourth century, developed by Via Vicentius . It includes maps , history , images and many interesting informations concerning to the martyr saint.

  2. I’d been suggested this blog via my relative. I’m now not specific when it post is definitely authored by method of him or her when nobody else comprehend these kinds of one of a kind regarding this issues. You might be incredible! Many thanks!

  4. What a Christian St Vincent was! His faith in God and life everlasting speaks volumes to us in the 21st century. But yet, we are told there are many more martyrs in the 20th and 21st century than ever before. I love this life but it is pointless if I do not see it as a journey to our only and precious goal – the Kingdom of God. St Vincent pray for us.

  8. 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.
    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.

  12. Google is providing a staggering benefit of 6850 USD per week in local currency, which is amazing considering that I was laid off in a very horrible financial situation a year ago. “W Many Thanks Google Dependably for Gifting the ones Rules and Soon It’s My Commitment to Pay and Rate It With Everyone..
    Right now I Started… https://makesmoneyguru.blogspot.com/

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here