Saint Vincent Ferrer

Saint Vincent Ferrer , 1350?-1419, Spanish Dominican preacher, b. Valencia. He studied at Barcelona, taught at Lleida, and later studied at Toulouse. After 1379 he became a friend and protégé of Pedro de Luna, later antipope Benedict XIII. St. Vincent became widely known as a preacher even in his youth. He considered himself called to summon sinners to repent and prepare for the Judgment. He was tremendously successful, and many thousands were converted by him. He was especially interested in converting the Spanish Jews and Muslims. St. Vincent traveled over Europe, visiting France, N Italy, and Flanders. He preached his last two years in Brittany and died in Vannes. St. Vincent's life was severely ascetic, and his followers were inspired to imitate his austerities. Vincent's surname is also spelled Ferrier. Feast: Apr. 5.

Bibliography: See H. Ghéon, Saint Vincent Ferrer (tr. 1939).

Vincent Ferrer, St (1350–1413), Spanish Dominican mission preacher. Until 1390 much of his time was devoted to academic work. Benedict XIII employed him in his curia (1394–8). Vincent worked to end the Great Schism and abandoned Benedict because of his intransigence. From 1399 he toured much of Europe as a preacher, generally accompanied by a group of followers who helped by hearing confessions, giving instruction, and leading processions of flagellants. Feast day, 5 Apr.