Vincenzo

Vincenzo is an Italian masculine name derived from Latin word “vincens” which means “to conquer, win”. The name dates back to Antiquity and was borne by scores of early saints. Most notable, Saint Vincent of Saragossa was a 3rd century saint who was an outspoken and fearless Christian during a time of persecution under Roman rule. He was tortured for his beliefs and killed when he refused to burn the Scripture. It is said that ravens protected his corpse from vultures until his followers could recover his body, entomb him and build a shrine in his honor. He is now the patron saint of the Portugal capital, Lisbon, and also said to be the patron saint of wine-makers. Another popular early saint was Saint Vincent of Lérins, a 5th century monk who was an author of early Christian writing and is known for his “Vincentian Canon”: quod ubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus credituni est (translation: "what has been believed everywhere, always, and by all"). He believed that the ultimate source of Christian truth was Holy Scripture and that the authority of the Church was supreme in guaranteeing the correct interpretation of Scripture. Lastly, there was Saint Vincent de Paul who lived in 16th century Paris, France and dedicated his life to the service of the poor through the founding of the Daughters of Charity. Today, he is patron of all societies devoted to works of charity. Adopting the names of important saints was a medieval naming trend, if you will, and considered a protective action on behalf of Christian babies. It was also an important way for people in the Middle Ages to venerate the saints most important to their own religious cultures which varied from ethnicity to ethnicity. Vincenzo has been in circulation in Italy for centuries although it appears to be slightly out of style today.