St. Vincent: A Deacon Speaking Truth to Power

Today the Church remembers a man named Vincent from present day Spain who died as a martyr in 304. (He is not to be confused with the patron saint of St. Vincent’s House, Vincent De Paul, who lived in France in the late 1500s.)

Vincent was born in Huesca but lived in Saragossa, and he served as the deacon of Bishop Valerius of Saragossa.  Vincent was imprisoned in Valencia for his faith and he was tortured to death during the persecution of the Christians by the Emperor Diocletian around the year 304.  Vincent was brought to trial along with Bishop Valerius, who had a speech impediment. Vincent spoke for both of them; Vincent’s outspoken fearless manner made the governor so angry that he ordered Vincent to be tortured and executed.  Bishop Valerius fared better; he was exiled.  Legend has it that Vincent succeeded in converting his jailer to Christianity.

Vincent is an example of the deacon’s role in the Church and in the world, to speak truth to power no matter what the cost.

Let us pray:  Almighty God, whose deacon Vincent, upheld by you, was not terrified by threats nor overcome by torments: Strengthen us to endure all adversity with invincible and steadfast faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

The Painted Church Tour:  We will travel to Schulenburg (about a 2 hour ride), tour 3-4 churches, have lunch and return to St. Augustine.  We will be traveling on the bus to each of the churches so there is not a lot of walking expected, but it is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and dress comfortably.  Of course it is too early to predict the weather, but we hope it will be pleasant.

 

Departure Date: Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 7:30 am

Depart From: St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church, 1410 41st St (Jack Johnson Blvd)

Cost: $20.00 to cover tour and lunch

If you are interested in going but may not have the funds, please contact Michelle Allen, there may be some scholarships available.

We will be using the Galveston County Senior Citizen Program bus and they require everyone to be 55 years of age to ride the bus.  The bus has some additional requirements that we must follow: 

No eating or drinking (except water)

Mobile phones are for emergencies only

No smoking

The bus will only hold 30 passengers, so it is a first come first serve basis.  If we have more sign up, Mr. Allen will add you to a waiting list.  Please respond to her by email: ms.walk.1@hotmail.com, or call Ms. Allen at 832-244-1817 to let her know if you are interested. 

MARDI GRAS AT ST. AUGUSTINE’S HOSTED BY OUR KING & QUEEN OF MARDI GRAS, BILL & TAMMIE TAYLOR, in Sutton Hall on Tuesday evening, February 12.

ASH WEDNESDAY IS FEBRUARY 13, Ash Wednesday Liturgy with the Imposition of Ashes at 6 p.m.

LENTEN PROGRAM:  WEDNESDAYS AT 6 PM

Feb. 20: The Rev. Dr. Allen Robinson, Rector of St. James in Baltimore, Maryland and from Galveston at St. Augustine (1410 41st St.)

Feb. 27: Br. Michael Gallagher, Benedictine Monk and Co-Founder of Holy Cross Monastery at Grace (1115 36th St.)

Mar. 6: Ms. Kathy Culmer, Storyteller & Diocesan Mission Funding Coordinator at Trinity (2216 Ball Ave)

Mar. 13: The Rev. Canon John Newton, Diocese of Texas Canon for Lifelong Christian Formation at St. Augustine (1410 41st St.)

Mar. 20: The Rev. Pittman McGehee, Priest, Author & Jungian Analyst at Grace (1115 36th St.)

Mar. 27: The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of the Diocese of Texas at Trinity (2216 Ball Ave)

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List.

Your servant in Christ,

The Rev. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas  77550