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Feast Day: November 11
Birth: November 16, 1900
Death: November 1, 11
Blessed Vikentij Bosilkov, also known as Eugene Bossilkov, Evgeni of the Sacred Heart, Vincent Eugène Bossilkov, and Vincent Eugène Bossilkoff, was a Passionist priest born on 16 November 1900 in Beleni, Lovech, Bulgaria.
Vikentij Bosilkov was ordained as a priest on 25 July 1926 and dedicated his life to serving the Catholic community in Bulgaria. On 26 July 1947, he was appointed as the Bishop of Nikopol, Bulgaria, and continued to carry out his pastoral duties despite the challenging circumstances faced by the Church under the Communist regime.
In 1948, the Communist government in Bulgaria began targeting Catholic clergy and religious institutions, seeking to suppress their influence. Bishop Bosilkov, however, refused to denounce his affiliation with the Vatican and remained faithful to his religious convictions. This steadfastness led to his arrest, imprisonment, and subsequent torture due to his refusal to renounce his faith.
Despite the brutal treatment he endured, Vikentij Bosilkov never wavered in his dedication to God and his commitment to the Catholic Church. His unwavering faith, courage, and refusal to compromise his beliefs made him a symbol of resistance and a martyr for the Catholic community in Bulgaria.
On 11 November 1952, Bishop Bosilkov was tragically shot and killed in Sofia, Bulgaria, as a result of his unwavering faith and refusal to abandon his religious principles. His martyrdom is a testament to his love for God and his unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church.
Blessed Vikentij Bosilkov's memory and sacrifice did not go unnoticed. On 26 March 1994, Pope John Paul II recognized his martyrdom, decreeing him as venerable. Subsequently, on 15 March 1998, Pope John Paul II beatified Bishop Bosilkov, acknowledging his sanctity and his significant role in the Catholic Church as a martyr.
Blessed Vikentij Bosilkov's life and sacrifice continue to inspire and serve as a reminder of the courageous faith and dedication to the Church, even in the face of persecution. His beatification serves as a beacon of hope and an invitation to all to embrace their faith fearlessly, mirroring his unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church.