Every creature on Earth is meant to survive. Among animals and insects, the fight or flight response is generally perceived. Fear of annihilation and death is a reality. In man, the capstone of God’s creation, the grit to live is not only instinctive but triggered by the body, as well.
When man’s well-being is threatened, the hypothalamus in the brain releases adrenalin in the blood stream. Blood is pumped faster into the muscles and limbs, and makes the body ready to respond to threats.
But the desire to escape death was not a concern among martyrs of the Catholic Church. Church history is replete with stories of saints who embraced death willingly. Some saints even desired martyrdom.
Saint Laurence, who was roasted alive, even smiled and commented: “One side is cooked enough.”
Theopanic martyr
Medical experts agree there is a limit to man’s tolerance for pain, making executioners bewilder where martyrs drew their strength and perseverance.
J.D. Douglas and Merrell Tenny said martyrs are masterpieces of grace, thus, they can endure death to witness faith. That they can withstand prolonged, intense torture is unbelievable but awe-inspiring.
The reason, according to spiritual writers, is the presence of God in their persons, known as theophanic. Thus, it is not surprising that their tormentors are converted to the faith.
Saint Vincent of Saragossa, deacon and martyr, whose feast day is January 22, is an example of a Christian whose sufferings until death mirror God’s power to perfection.
After every graded intensity of suffering, when asked in mockery by Emperor Dacian, governor of Spain, how he felt, Vincent joyfully answered: “He had always prayed to be as he was then,” which enraged his tormentors.
The Acts of the Martyrs recorded Saint Vincent’s response: “The more I witness your fury, Dacian, the greater is my pleasure. Do not lessen in any way the suffering you prepare for me so that I can make my victory shine more resplendently.”
Unspeakable torture
Vincent was born in Huesca, near Saragossa, Aragon, Spain, in the latter part of the 3rd century. His father is Eutricius and his mother is Enola of Osca. He spent most of his life in Saragossa.
He was ordained archdeacon by Bishop Valerian of Saragossa. Because the bishop had speech impediment, Vincent preached for him.
When Emperor Diocletian started to persecute Christians in Spain, bishops Valerian and Vincent were brought to Roman Governor Dacian in Valencia. The bishop was exiled but Vincent was imprisoned. He was offered release if he gives up his faith but he answered he was ready to suffer. He was so outspoken, which made Emperor Dacian angry.
Stretched on the rack, his limbs were almost torn apart. Then he was laid down on a bed of red-hot iron, which tore his flesh that was rubbed with salt and lard after the grilling. Amid all these sufferings, Vincent smiled cheerfully.
Saint Augustine in his writings said: “The flames, instead of tormenting, seemed to give the martyr new vigor and courage, for the more he suffered, the greater seemed to be the inward joy and consolation of his soul.”
Cast in a dungeon, his mangled body was laid on the floor with broken glasses. Emperor Dacian ordered that “his legs be set in wooden stocks and stretched very wide open.” Food and water were denied him.
In preparation for the second phase of torture, Dacian allowed the faithful to come and dress his wounds. Nil Guillemette in Stars Forever said they came in troops and laid him in a cot. But he died. It was year 304.
The jailer was converted when he saw Vincent exuded peace and tranquillity in death. His body was placed in a sack and thrown to the sea.
A legend narrated that ravens protected his body from being devoured by vultures until his followers recovered it.
Taken to a place now called Cape of Saint Vincent, a shrine was erected over his grave, still with flocks of raven at watch.
Arab geographer Al-Idrisi also noted that ravens were guarding the grave, so it was named Church of the Ravens.
Kind Alfonso I of Portugal had the body exhumed in 1173 and brought to the São Vicente de Fora Monastery in Lisbon.
Saint Vincent is the patron saint of wine and vinegar makers.
Guillemette commented: “If martyrs in the midst of the most cruel torture could be joyful because of their close union with God, we, who suffer far less in our daily lives, should all the more so be able to bear our sufferings serenely, if not joyfully.”
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Santiago is a former regional director of the Department of Education National Capital Region. She is currently a faculty member of Mater Redemptoris College in Calauan, Laguna.