St. Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)
Image: Women of Grace
(Franciscan Media) Born in Spain Valencia, Vincent was educated there, completed his studies in Philosophy by the age of 14 and in 1367 entered the Dominican Order and Ordained a Priest by Cardinal Peter de Luna, he subsequently was sent to the house of studies at Barcelona the following year.
After returning to Spain, in 1370 Vincent taught Philosophy at Lerida and three years later, he returned to the Dominican ‘Stadium Arabicum et Hebriacum’ at Barcelona.
During Vincent’s stay there famine was prevalent. Filled with compassion for those suffering, Vincent foretold while ministering one day, the near approach of ships carrying wheat–his prediction was fulfilled.
In 1377 Vincent was sent to continue his studies in France, Toulouse where in his own words: “Study followed prayer and prayer succeeded study.”
The polarization in the Church today among Christians is a mild breeze compared to the tempest that tore the Church apart during the life of Vincent–If any Saint is the Patron of ‘Reconciliation’ Vincent Ferrer most certainly is.
The Western division that divided Christianity between two and then three Pope’s: Clement VII lived at France, Avignon; Urban VI in Rome — Vincent was convinced the election of Urban was invalid through Catherine of Siena, was just as devoted a supporter of the Roman Pope.
In service of Cardinal Peter de Luna in 1379 as Legate of the Court of Argon, Vincent worked to persuade Spaniards to follow Clement VII. When Clement died, Cardina de Luna was raised to the Papal Chair at France Avignon and became Pope Benedict XIII
Vincent worked for Pope Benedict XIII as Apostolic Penitentiary and Master of the Sacred Palace but the new pope did not resign as all candidates in the conclave had sworn to, remaining stubborn despite being deserted King Charles VI and nearly all of the Cardinals. Vincent became disillusioned by the turmoil and quite ill but finally took up the work of simply, ‘Going into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation,’ —Mark 16:15 though he felt that any renewal of the Church depended on healing the division.
An eloquent and enthusiastic minister, Vincent spent the last 20 years of his life spreading the ‘Good News of Jesus Christ’ throughout Spain, France, Switzerland and Italy, stressing the need for repentance and fear of the coming of judgment.
In 1408 at Genoa a meeting had been arranged there between Gregory XII and Vincent’s former friend Benedict XII in the hope of putting an end to the division–Vincent urged Benedict XII to resign but in vain.
Disappointed Vincent returned to Spain and continued ministering (sometimes for three hours) celebrating Mass daily–Vincent would arise very early every morning to pray. After his midday meal, Vincent tended to sick children and by evening, he was preparing his sermon for the following day.
Vincent passed away in France in 1419 In 1455 he was Canonized by Pope Calixtus III at the Dominican Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome, which stands to this day and is a popular tourist destination.
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