Saint of the week: Vincent Ferrer

Even before he was born in Valencia, Spain, Vincent Ferrer's parents knew their son would not lead a typical life. Gillem and Constança Ferrer had mysterious dreams during the pregnancy: nothing clear or certain, but rather images. A Dominican friar. Ships. Crowds. What did it mean?

Their fair-haired, dark-eyed son began studying advanced classics at age 8, followed by philosophy and theology at 14. He had clear academic and intellectual gifts, yet he also spent his free time trying to serve the city's most needy. At 18, Vincent entered the Order of Preachers—the Dominicans. He struggled in novitiate and briefly entertained becoming a diocesan priest instead, but he completed his final profession as a Dominican and in 1379, he was ordained a priest.

Recognizing Vincent's talents, the Order sent him to earn a masters, then a doctorate, so he could become a philosophy lecturer. But Vincent's heart burned not only to know and teach about doctrine, but also to introduce others to a real, truly present Savior. Not only compelling truth, but a Person.

When he was sent on his first mission, his evangelistic zeal blazed. For 21 years, Vincent sailed routes between Valencia and England, Scotland, Ireland, Aragon, Castile, France, Switzerland, and Italy. Wherever he went, he preached the Good News in a voice many described as unforgettable, piercing, powerful. He shared with an approachable authenticity, at the time a departure from the standard formal style of preaching. There was something else, too: although Vincent spoke only his native Valencian, speakers of dozens of other languages could understand him. It seemed impossible, but Vincent saw this miracle as totally expected and natural: after all, the same Holy Spirit who enabled the Apostles to preach to diverse multitudes at Pentecost also wanted these people to hear the Gospel, too. Why should miracles not occur?

Vincent's ministry flowered in thousands of conversions, including those of many Jewish people. Like so many other holy and effective saints, Vincent found himself sometimes caught in controversies and false accusations and bitter power struggles. He even assisted in resolving the Avignon schism, but rejected the pope's subsequent attempt to honor him by making him a bishop. Vincent did not want the temptations of luxury or power. Instead, he renewed his commitment to asceticism: he ate no meat, slept on the ground, and survived only on necessities.

These habits of discipline are the real inspiration of Vincent's life. Not all of us share his talents for rhetoric or speaking, but these gifts are not what made him a saint. Vincent Ferrer became a saint by striving to truly know himself—the good and the weak—and then confronted that reality with determination and resolve. The good, he developed and nurtured and placed at God's service. The weak, he resisted with consistent practice and blunt honesty. We can all do the same.

He said: "Once humility is acquired, charity will come to life; a burning flame devouring the corruption of vice and filling the heart so full that there is no place for vanity."

Vincent died in 1419 at age 69. His feast is April 5.

Subscribe to get the weekly newsletter with exclusive essays and other content.

__________

Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, and traveler.

I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.