St. Vinciana of Wintershoven

Saint Vinciana is remembered as a virgin associated with the early Christian community of Wintershoven, in present-day Belgium. The Flemish Heritage Agency names her among the companions of Saint Landoaldus, alongside Amantius, Julianus, Adrianus, Adeltrudis and Landrada.

The community belongs to the story of Christianity’s growth in the region during the seventh and eighth centuries. Its foundation is traditionally associated with Saint Amandus. The surviving account is a history of local religious memory, rather than a detailed contemporary biography of Vinciana herself.

The heritage record also traces the later veneration of Landoaldus and his companions: their relics were taken to Ghent in 980, with returns to Wintershoven recorded in 1624 and 1897. Vinciana’s memory therefore continued through the worship, shrines and traditions of these communities.

Her feast is listed on September 11 in the calendar of the Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel. A specific birth date, occupation or individual patronage is not assigned here because the sources reviewed do not establish one.

Prayer

Saint Vinciana, pray that our homes and communities may grow in faith, charity and fidelity to Christ. Help us remember the quiet witnesses who handed on the Gospel before us. Amen.

Sources

Flemish Heritage Agency — Wintershoven; Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel — September calendar.