Cusp-a point of transition, as from one historical period to the next;
the borders between the twelve astrological signs.
You are considered to be "on the cusp" if you were born
within a day or two of the beginning or end of any sign.

The Rocky Mountains, Lander's Peak, 1863; Albert Bierstadt


22 January 2010

Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time, Vincent, Deacon and Martyr



Vincent served faithfully in Spain as a Deacon in the diocese of Saragossa. He had the blessing from the Bishop to do most of the preaching as the Bishop had a speech impediment. He was tortured for Christ. Finally, like St. Laurence, was burned on an iron grid on November 11, 304. They threw his body out for the vultures to eat, but a raven defended it. The governor then ordered that his body be cast into the sea, but it floated to shore and a pious widow buried it. Later, a church was built over his grave. His relics were later translated to Rome and are preserved in the church named for him there.
In this icon by the hand of Nicholas Papas, he is holding a censer indicating he is a Deacon. He is holding a Cross, indicating his martyrdom.

Eternal Father,
you gave Saint Vincent
the courage to endure torture and death for the gospel:
fill us with your Spirit and strengthen us in your love.

From Christian Prayer

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