Category:Saint Vincent Ferrer

Saint Vincent Ferrer - Confessor, Angel of the Last Judgment Born: 23 January 1350 in Valencia, Kingdom of Valencia Died: 5 April 1419 (aged 69) in Vannes, Brittany Honored in: Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Communion Canonized: 3 June 1455, Rome by Pope Calixtus III Major shrine: Vannes Cathedral Feast: 5 April Attributes: pulpit; cardinal's hat; trumpet; captives; Bible Patronage: builders construction workers, plumbers

(born in 1350, died in 1419, Optional Memorial is April 5)
 * Vincent was born on in Valencia, Spain on January 23 in the 1350's. He was the fourth child of William Ferrer and Constantia Miguel. He received his education at Valencia, beginning his course of philosophy when he was twelve and his course of theology when he was fourteen. He entered the Dominicans at the beginning of his eighteenth year, and was later sent to Barcelona for further studies. He died on April 5, 1419 at Vannes, Brittany, France.

Excerpt from Lives of the Saints, 1894
April 5 — ST. VINCENT FERRER.

CH's wonderful apostle, the "Angel of the Judgment," was born at Valencia in Spain, in 1350, and at the age of eighteen professed in the Order of St. Dominic. After a brilliant course of study he became master of sacred theology. For three years he read only the Scriptures, and knew the whole Bible by heart. He converted the Jews of Valencia, and their synagogue became a church. Grief at the great schism then afflicting the Church reduced him to the point of death; but Our Lord Himself in glory bade him go forth to convert sinners, "for My judgment is nigh." This miraculous apostolate lasted twenty-one years. He preached throughout Europe, in the towns and villages of Spain, Switzerland, France, Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland. Everywhere tens of thousands of sinners were reformed; Jews, infidels, and heretics were converted. Stupendous miracles enforced his words. Twice each day the " miracle bell " summoned the sick, the blind, the lame to be cured. Sinners the most obdurate became Saints; speaking only his native Spanish, he was understood in all tongues. Processions of ten thousand penitents followed him in perfect order. Convents, orphanages, hospitals, arose in his path. Amidst all, his humility remained profound, his prayer constant. He always prepared for preaching by prayer. Once, however, when a person of high rank was to be present at his sermon he neglected prayer for study. The nobleman was not particularly struck by the discourse which had been thus carefully worked up; but coming again to hear the Saint, unknown to the latter, the second sermon made a deep impression on his soul. When St. Vincent heard of the difference, he remarked that in the first sermon it was Vincent who had preached, but in the second, Jesus Christ. He fell ill at Vannes in Brittany, and received the crown of everlasting glory in 1419.

Reflection.—"Whatever you do," said St. Vincent, "think not of yourself, but of God." In this spirit he preached, and God spoke by him; in this spirit, if we listen, we shall hear the voice of God. Excerpt from Lives of the Saints, 1894 by Alban Butler, Benziger Brothers edition, 1894