SAINTS

Vincent Ferrer

Posted

Feast Day: April 5

Born in Valencia to an English father and Spanish mother, Vincent joined the Dominican friars in 1367 and became a noted preacher, making converts even among Jews and Muslims. After years of backing the Avignon papal claimants, Vincent withdrew his support, helping to end the papal schism that had divided the Western church. He did intensive mission work in France, Spain and Italy, drawing huge revival-type crowds and gaining fame as a miracle worker. He died during a preaching tour of Brittany.