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This week’s missionary hero is Saint Vincent Romano.
Vincent, was born in Torre del Greco, Naples, on June 3, 1751 to poor parents. His baptismal name was Domenico Vincenzo Michele Romano. He was named in honor of a favorite saint of the Romano family, San Vicente Ferrer. He had two brothers, Pietro and Giuseppe.
Although his father wanted Vincent to become a goldsmith, he kindly consented to Vincent’s wish to become a priest. His older brother, Pietro, was a priest who helped Vincent enter the seminary.
Vincent was ordained at the age of 24 on June 10, 1775 in Naples. One of his role models was Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, whom he studied during his seminary days.
Father Vincent was assigned to Torre del Greco and was noted for his simple and austere lifestyle and his special love and care for orphans. He was also noted for his work with seminarians.
Vincent was what today we would call a “home missionary”, because he did not go to foreign lands to do his evangelization. Rather, he spent much of his time teaching the Faith to children, especially orphans who needed special help to obtain an education. He preached five days a week and his homilies were known to be simple, clear, and educational.
Unfortunately, the French invaders and various Italian political groups oppressed him, but this never deterred him; He kept serving God to the best of his ability.
During his priesthood, Mount Vesuvius destroyed much of his church, Santa Croce (Holy Cross). He spent much of his time and energy rebuilding the church, often moving rocks himself. He worked so hard that people nicknamed him “The Working Priest.”
Father Vincent Romano died on December 20, 1831 after battling a long illness. Pope Francis canonized him on October 14, 2018.
Saint Vincent Romano is a patron of the city of Torre del Greco, Neapolitan priests, orphans, sailors and people with throat tumors. The feast of San Vicente Romano is on December 20.
