St. Vincent was Deacon of Saragossa, and a martyr under Diocletian in 304. This most renowned martyr of Spain is represented in the dalmatic of a deacon, and has as emblems a cross, a raven, a grate, or a fire-pile. He is honored as patron in Valencia, Saragossa and Portugal.
He was born at Saragossa to Eutricius, his father, and Enola, his mother, who was a native of Osca. Under the direction of Valerius, Bishop of Sargossa, Vincent made great progress in his studies. He was ordained a deacon and commissioned to do the preaching in the diocese since the bishop at the time had a speech impedement.
By order of Governor Dacian, Vincent and his bishop were dragged in chains to Valencia and kept in prison there for a long time. Then Valerius was banished, but Vincent was subjected to many cruel torments including the rack, the gridiron, and scourgings. After suffering these, he was again imprisoned in a cell strewn with potsherds. He was then placed in a soft and luxurious bed, to shake his constancy, but there he expired.
His body was thrown to be devoured by vultures, but it was defended by a raven. Dacian then had the body cast into the sea, but it came to shore and was buried by a pious widow. After peace was restored to the Church, a chapel was built over Vincent’s remains outside the walls of Valencia.
Special Thanks to the Catholic News Agency for supplying the information on this saint.
