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| San Vincenzo Romano, ora pro nobis |
Born into a simple family, he felt the call to the priesthood early and was ordained in 1775. He spent his entire ministry in his native town, at the parish of Santa Croce, where he became known for his tireless work, simplicity, and deep love for the poor.
When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 1794, devastating Torre del Greco, Romano became the moral and practical center of relief efforts. He organized aid for displaced families, comforted the wounded and grieving, and personally helped rebuild the ruined parish church—often carrying stones alongside laborers. His people later said he rebuilt not only their town but their hope.
He lived in deliberate poverty, visited the sick daily, educated children, and spent long hours in prayer before the Eucharist. His pastoral style—what he called his “method of charity”—was marked by presence, patience, and unceasing service.
San Vincenzo Romano died on December 20, 1831, beloved by his community, who regarded him as a saint from the moment of his passing. He was canonized in 2018 and is remembered as a model parish priest whose quiet holiness transformed an entire town.
Evviva San Vincenzo Romano!
In celebration of his feast, we offer this prayer:
Prayer to St. Vincent Romano
O God, light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, who set blessed Vincent in the Church to feed your sheep by his words and form them by his example, grant that through his intercession we may keep the faith he taught by his words and follow the way he showed by his example. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
