Background
Ferrer was born on January 23, 1350 in Valencia, Spain, the fourth child of the nobleman Guillem Ferrer, a notary who came from Palamós, and wife, Constança Miquel, apparently from Valencia itself or Girona.
Ferrer was born on January 23, 1350 in Valencia, Spain, the fourth child of the nobleman Guillem Ferrer, a notary who came from Palamós, and wife, Constança Miquel, apparently from Valencia itself or Girona.
Ferrer began his classical studies at the age of eight, his study of theology and philosophy at fourteen. Four years later, at the age of nineteen, Ferrer entered the Order of Preachers, commonly called the Dominican Order, in England also known as Blackfriars.
Ferrer was professor of philosophy from about 1375, preacher from 1377, then prior, and, in 1385, teacher in the cathedral school of Valencia. From the end of 1379 he openly supported the Avignon antipope Clement VII. For certain expressions concerning the repentance of Judas and the impending end of the world he was brought before the Inquisitor Nicolás Eymerico; the antipope Benedict XIII annulled the trial, but the charges were repeated at Pisa (1409) and Constance (1415). Vincent was confessor of Benedict XIII from his election in 1394. From 1399 to 1409 he made his famed preaching tour through Catalonia, Southern France, Lombardy, and Switzerland, at times followed by thousands of penitents, scourges in hand. At the Compromise of Caspe (1412), he secured the throne for the Castilian Ferdinand, but the fate of the House of Urgel embittered the Catalans against Vincent. On Epiphany Day, 1416, at Perpignan, he announced his break with the antipope Benedict XIII and the next day began a journey, again accompanied by crowds of penitents, through France to Constance and then to Normandy and Brittany, where he died April 5, 1419. His canonization, planned by Callistus III, was solemnized by Pius II in 1458. His feast is April 5. Besides the Latin Sermones, he left a Treatise on the Spiritual Life and Letters.
Ferrer was known for his religious poverty and austerity, including perpetual fasting, and was believed to have the gift of miracles.
Member of the Dominican Order
Vincent Ferrer is described as a man of medium height, with a lofty forehead and very distinct features. His hair was fair in color and tonsured. His eyes were very dark and expressive; his manner gentle. Pale was his ordinary color. His voice was strong and powerful, at times gentle, resonant, and vibrant.