Saint Vincent Ferrer

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.

The saint in art

Saint Vincent Ferrer is often depicted in religious art as being accompanied by an angel and sometimes as having the wings of an angel himself, symbolizing both his work as a divine messenger (a reference to his ministry of preaching) and his extensive travels.

Quote

“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

Prayer

O God, who raised up the Priest Saint Vincent Ferrer
to minister by the preaching of the Gospel,
grant, we pray,
that, when the Judge comes,
whom Saint Vincent proclaimed on earth,
we may be among those blessed
to behold him reigning in heaven.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.