ST Vincent Ferrer -The Saint

 St. Vincent Ferrer  (04/27/23)

This wonderful apostle, the "Angel of the Judgment," was born in Valencia, Spain in 1350 and at the age of 18 professed in the Order of St. Dominic. After a brilliant course of study, he became a master of Sacred Theology. For 3 years, he read only the Scriptures and knew the whole Bible by heart. He converted the Jews of Valencia and their Synagogue became a church.

Cried at the great schism  then afflicting the Church reduced him to the point of death, but our Lord Himself in glory bade him go forth to convert sinners  " for my Judgment is nigh." This miraculous apostolate lasted 21 years. He preached throughout Europe, in the towns and villages of Spain, Switzerland, France, Italy, England, Ireland, and Scotland. Everywhere tens of thousands of sinners were reformed. Jews, infidels, and heretics were converted.

Stupendous miracles enforced his words. Twice each day the "miracle bell" summoned the sick, the blind, and the lame to be cured. Sinners the most obdurate became Saints. Speaking only in native Spanish, he was understood in all tongues. Processions of ten thousand penitents followed him in perfect order. Convents, orphanages, and hospitals arose on his path. Amidst all his humility remained profound; his prayer constant. He always goes for preaching by prayer.

Once, however, when a person of high rank was to be present at his sermon he neglected prayer to study. The nobleman was not particularly by the discourse which had been thus carefully worked up, but coming again to hear the Saint, unknown to the latter, the second sermon made a deep impression on his soul.

When St. Vincent heard of the difference he remarked that in the first sermon, it was Vincent who had preached, but in the second, Jesus Christ. He fell ill at Vannes in Brittany and received the crown of everlasting glory in 1419.

Reflection: -"Whatever you do," said St. Vincent, "think not of yourself, but of God."  In this spirit, if we

listen, we shall hear the voice of God. (From the Lives of the Saints for Every Day of the Year by Fr. Alban Butler.)  - Compiled by Greg In Trabanca