Vincent 			January 22
Spanish Deacon and Martyr, Saragossa
Vincent was born at Saragossa in Aragon. Little is known of his life, since the available sources concentrated on his martyrdom. Even so the story is full of legendary accretions.

Vincent was ordained deacon by Valerian, bishop of Saragossa. According to the legend, Valerian suffered from a speech impediment and used Vincent to speak for him. During the general persecution under Diocletian in the early fourth century, Dacian, the governor of Spain, had both Valerian and Vincent arrested . He then gave them the opportunity to save their lives by denying Christ and sacrificing to the gods. Vincent replied for them both with a strong affirmation of faith. They were condemned: Valerian to exile and Vincent to death by torture. According to his legend, he was, among other tortures, roasted on a gridiron. He died about 304. Vincent’s cult spread quickly throughout the Christianised world of the time, and he was revered as a strong witness to the power of the gospel in the face of persecution.
For Liturgical Use
Vincent was born in Saragossa in Spain. During the persecution under Diocletian, he was arrested, persecuted, imprisoned and half-starved. Vincent died about 304 under tortures which, according to legend, included being roasted on a gridiron. Although facts are buried under legend, his widespread and early fame attests his veneration as an heroic witness to Christ.
Sentence
Deliverance for the righteous comes from the Lord; the Most High is their stronghold in time of trouble. 		 Psalm 37:39									Psalm 37:39
Collects
Everliving God,
you gave your servant Vincent
courage to endure suffering and death
for the sake of the gospel;
strengthen us by your Spirit,
so that in all trials and difficulties
we may remain firm in our faith;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

God of blood and sacrifice,
may we be one with Vincent,
who suffered unbelievable tortures and martyrdom
with legendary fortitude.

Psalms 	31:10-22 	57
Readings
2 Chronicles 24:17-22 	The death of Zechariah
Hebrews 10:32-36		Patience under hardship
Matthew 10:24-36		Every hair has been counted
Post Communion Sentence
Jesus said, “Those who lose their life for my sake, and for sake of the gospel, will save it.”
				Mark 8:35