Vicenç Romano was an Italian Catholic priest born in 1751 in Torre del Greco. Serving as a parish priest in Herculano, he became widely recognized for his frugal lifestyle and his dedicated service to orphans and the impoverished. He played a vital role in the recovery of the Naples region following the 1794 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, personally assisting in the removal of debris and the reconstruction of local structures. His tireless commitment to social needs earned him the nickname "The Worker Priest" among the local population.
Life and ministry
Ordained in 1775, Romano focused his ministry on education and evangelization. He was particularly devoted to providing Christian formation for children, especially orphans. During the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, he acted as a treasurer and assistant pastor, working to rebuild the Santa Croce church. Despite facing oppression from French invaders and various political groups, he continued to preach simple, educational sermons to the faithful.
Veneration
The process for his sainthood began in 1843, and he was declared Venerable by Pope Leo XIII in 1895. Following the verification of miracles, he was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1963. He was eventually canonized by Pope Francis in 2018. His remains are kept in a bronze and glass urn within the Santa Croce church, where he is commemorated on December 20.