St. Vincent Ferrer

St. Vincent Ferrer was born on January 23, 1350, in Valencia, Spain, to a devout family. His early life was marked by a strong religious calling, and at the age of eighteen, he entered the Dominican Order despite parental opposition. Vincent became a renowned scholar and theologian, eventually serving as a professor of theology in Valencia. He was ordained a priest in 1379 and later became a prominent figure in the court of Cardinal Peter de Luna, who later became the antipope Benedict XIII. Vincent's role as confessor and theologian to Benedict XIII led him to support the Avignon papacy during the Great Western Schism. However, he eventually became disillusioned with the situation and dedicated the last twenty years of his life to preaching across Europe, earning the title Angel of the Judgment. He died on April 5, 1419, in Vannes, France. Vincent was canonized in 1455, largely due to his numerous miracles and influential preaching, which had a significant impact on reconciliation within the Church. He is celebrated as the patron saint of builders, businessmen, and reconciliation, reflecting his role in healing the divisions of his time. Today, St. Vincent Ferrer is remembered for his spiritual fervor and the countless miracles attributed to him, both during his life and after his death.