St. Vincent Ferrer

Today's feast we celebrate St. Vincent Ferrer. He was born in Valencia, Spain in the year 1350. When he became eighteen, he joined the Dominican Order. After much studying, he became a master of sacred theology. He spent reading Scripture for three years to the point of memorizing the Bible by heart. He was responsible for converting several Jews in Valencia. He grieved over the early schisms in the Church to the peak of death, but the Lord commanded him to convert sinners which he did for 21 years. He traveled across many countries in Europe in the process converting Jews, sinners, and heretics. It is said that even the most stubborn of sinners that came to him became future Saints as well. He is also been stated to have the gift of tongues due to the crowds understanding him when he only spoke in Spanish which is his native tongue. He died on April 5, 1419 at the age of sixty-nine. Pope Calixtus III canonized him as a saint on June 3, 1455.