04/04/2026
Feast Day: May 5 (historically April 5)
Saint Vincent was born at Valencia, Spain in 1350 and entered the Order at the age of seventeen.
He embraced a strict spiritual life and was later to write of it in his treatise On the Spiritual Life. For a time he assisted Peter de Luna, the cardinal legate, and John I, King of Aragon, in reconciling both civil and ecclesiastical disputes. All the while he preached, first at Avignon and then in France and Italy. In 1399 he gave himself totally to itinerant preaching.
During the great Western Schism he worked tirelessly for the peace and unity of the Church. At first he supported an antipope, Benedict XIII, but later tried in vain to obtain his abdication. He was a charismatic preacher who travelled throughout western Europe carrying out his preaching mission.
He died at Vannes, France, On April 5, 1419. In 2001 his feast day was moved to May 5th in the Dominican calendar.
The Feast of San Vicente Ferrer is celebrated on April 5th, marking the anniversary of his death in 1419. Known as a renowned 14th-century Dominican preacher and miracle worker, he is the patron saint of builders and laborers.
Key Facts about St. Vincent Ferrer (Feast Day: April 5)
Patronage: Known as the patron saint of builders and construction workers due to his work in building up the Church through preaching.
Life & Mission: Born in Spain in 1350/1357, he was a Dominican friar who preached throughout Europe, including Spain, France, Italy, and England.
"Angel of the Apocalypse": He is often referred to as the "Angel of the Last Judgment" or the "Angel of the Apocalypse," preaching heavily on repentance, death, and judgment.
Miracles: He was known as a miracle worker, credited with raising the dead, healing the sick, and possessing the "gift of tongues" (being understood by people speaking different languages).
Legacy: He died on April 5, 1419, and was canonized in 1455.
Liturgical Timing: If April 5 falls during Holy Week or the Easter Octave, his feast is often transferred to May 5th in some calendars.