Deacon of Saragossa in Spain, martyred after harsh torture during the persecution of Diocletian in 304.
Life
Vincent of Saragossa was a deacon who assisted Bishop Valerius of Saragossa in Spain. Tradition says he preached in place of the bishop, who had difficulty speaking. Around 304, during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian, he was arrested with his bishop and taken to Valencia.
The bishop was exiled, but Vincent was harshly tortured and died a martyr. Many details of his sufferings were added by later tradition, yet his martyrdom was known widely and early, and St. Augustine preached several sermons in his honor. He is venerated as one of the first martyrs of the Church in Spain.
Spirituality
Vincent's spirituality is the service and witness proper to a deacon. He served the Church by proclaiming the Word at his bishop's side, and he completed that service by confessing Christ in the midst of suffering. In his life, the mouth that proclaimed the Word and the hands that served were one.
Reflection
Vincent was a deacon who served the Church by filling in where another fell short. The Church lives by such hidden service. Am I willing to fill the gaps in my community?