Dominican Priest (1350-1419)
His life
+ Vincent was born in Valencia, Spain. He entered the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans) in 1374.
+ After completing his studies, he was ordained and devoted himself to the ministry of preaching, before going on to earn a doctorate in theology.
+ Vincent’s entire life was oriented toward evangelization and reform of the Church.
+ Refusing all ecclesiastical honors, he traveled throughout Spain and also preached in France, Germany, Italy, Flanders, Scotland, England, and Ireland.
+ After more than thirty years of tireless ministry, he died on April 5, 1419.
+ Canonized in 1455, he is honored as the patron saint of builders and construction workers.
For reflection
“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
Spiritual bonus
On this day we also remember Blessed Mariano de la Mata Aparicio. An Augustinian priest from Argentina, he became a missionary in Brazil and came to be known as the “Messenger of the Poor” because of his dedication to teaching the poor. Blessed Mariano died on April 5, 1983, and was beatified in 2006.
Prayer
O God, who give constant increase
to your Church by new offspring,
grant that your servants may hold fast in their lives
to the Sacrament they have received in faith.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Collect for Monday in the Octave of Easter)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...