St. Vincent of Saragossa

A story about The Forgotten Vincent of January

Always focused on his faith, St. Vincent was a deacon and martyr.

Who's that again?

When we hear the name St. Vincent, most of us immediately think of St. Vincent de Paul, whose feast day we celebrate in September and whose legacy of charity continues through countless ministries today.

But there is another remarkable St. Vincent—one whose witness of faith was forged in fire and suffering—and whose feast we celebrate this month.

Meet St. Vincent of Saragossa

The Feast of St. Vincent of Saragossa is observed on January 23 in the United States (traditionally January 22.) He was a deacon and martyr, widely honored as the first Spanish martyr, and remembered for his extraordinary courage during one of the harshest Roman persecutions of Christians.

Living during the reign of Emperor Diocletian around 304 AD, Vincent served as a deacon alongside Bishop Valerius of Saragossa. Because the bishop had a speech impediment, Vincent often spoke on his behalf—boldly and fearlessly proclaiming the truths of the Christian faith.

Arrest, Torture, and Unshakable Faith

During the Roman persecution, both Vincent and his bishop were arrested. The Roman governor was determined to force them to renounce Christianity. When Vincent refused, he was subjected to brutal tortures, including being stretched on the rack and burned on a gridiron.

Yet through every torment, Vincent remained unwavering in his faith. His endurance became a powerful witness—so powerful, in fact, that his jailer was converted, much like the conversions associated with saints such as St. Paul the Apostle and St. Valentine.

Patron of Winemakers and the “New Wine” of Faith

One of the most fascinating aspects of St. Vincent’s legacy is his connection to wine. Because he was tortured on what was known as a wine rack, he became the patron saint of winemakers and wine merchants.

Legend tells us that the blood shed during his martyrdom symbolized the “new wine” of faith, poured out for the Church. Another story recounts how a donkey grazing on vine shoots after Vincent’s death miraculously produced an exceptionally rich harvest, further linking him to good vintages and abundance.

Ravens, Relics, and the City of Lisbon

After his martyrdom, yet another miracle unfolded. Tradition says that ravens protected St. Vincent’s body from vultures until Christians were able to recover it. The site later became known as the “Church of the Raven” (Kanīsah al-Ghurāb).

In 1173, King Afonso I of Portugal had St. Vincent’s relics brought to Lisbon. Legend holds that ravens accompanied the ship on its journey, cementing St. Vincent’s role as patron saint of Portugal, and especially of Lisbon.

To this day, two ravens appear on the coat of arms of Lisbon, a lasting symbol of divine protection and the city’s Christian roots.

Why St. Vincent of Saragossa Matters Today

St. Vincent of Saragossa is remembered not just for how he died, but for how he lived—with fearless faith, unwavering courage, and total trust in Christ.

His witness reminds us that:

• Faith can endure even the harshest trials

• Courage speaks louder than fear

• God brings new life—even through suffering

As we honor St. Vincent of Saragossa this January, may his heroic witness inspire us to proclaim our faith boldly, live it authentically, and trust God—no matter the cost.

St. Vincent of Saragossa, pray for us.