Saint Vincent Ferrer

"If you truly want to help the soul of your neighbor, you should approach God first with all your heart. Ask him simply to fill you with charity, the greatest of all virtues; with it you can accomplish what you desire."
- Saint Vincent Ferrer (1357 - 1419)

Today is the feast day of Saint Vincent Ferrer. Vincent was born in Valencia, Spain, in 1357. Around the age of 19, Vincent entered the Dominican Order. After his studies, he was ordained by Cardinal Pedro de Luna. Soon after his ordination, Vincent was made prior of the Dominican house in Valencia. During Vincent's time, the Church was in a schism. This schism, which is now known as the Western Schism, divided Christianity because there were multiple popes. Urban VI was in Rome, Italy, and Clement VII was in Avignon, France. Initially, Vincent was convinced that Clement VII was the rightful pope and that Urban VI had been invalidly elected. After Clement VII's death, Cardinal Pedro de Luna was made the next pope (at Avignon). Vincent worked for de Luna as apostolic penitentiary and Master of the Sacred Palace, while also trying unsuccessfully to put an end to the schism. During this time, he became disillusioned and ill, and wished only to be appointed apostolic missionary so that he could go and preach Christ throughout the world. After this, Vincent spent the last 20 years of his life evangelizing in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Flanders, England, Scotland, and Ireland. He was known for his eloquent and fiery preaching. Many conversions followed his preaching, and miracles accompanied them. He was well received throughout Europe, despite the fact that there was a schism at the time. Later on in his life, Vincent realized that de Luna was not the true pope. Vincent lived to see the end of the Western Schism and the election of Pope Martin V. Vincent died on April 5, 1419.  

Saint Vincent Ferrer, pray for us!

_________________________________________

Picture Of, Quote, and Information About Saint Vincent Taken From:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Joan_de_Joanes_-_St_Vincent_Ferrer_-_WGA12062.jpg

http://faithofthefatherssaintquote.blogspot.com/2011/04/saint-vincent-ferrer.html#.UV7Poxy4Ie8

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saintofday/

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=723