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Feast Day: April 5th
Patron Saint of Builders, Businessmen, and Reconciliation
San Vincente Ferrer earned these honors because of his fame for "building up" and strengthening the Church through his preaching, missionary work, in his teachings, as confessor and adviser.
Born in Valencia, Spain to an English father and Spanish mother, Vincente Ferrer’s time on earth was spent during a very dark and tumultuous period in history. The Black Death had ravaged Europe, decimating the population. The church was divided in what's known today as the Great Schism, with three men claiming the papacy at one time. Because of his political work in healing this rupture and his untiring labors in revitalizing the faithful, as well as his charismatic ability to convert thousands, he is the patron of builders and those in all of the construction trades.
Closer to home here on Guam, San Vincente is the Patron Saint of Barrigada.
The Symbols of San Vincente Ferrer
Banner has a quote from the Book of Revelation, reading, “Fear God and give him honor, for the hour of his judgment is coming.” This was the summation of Vincent’s mission.
Trumpet: Sounds warning of the end of the world.
Flame over head: Apostolic gift of the Holy Spirit. The ability to communicate in all languages.
Angel wings: Vincent Ferrer was known as the “Angel of the Apocalypse”.
A Few Quotes from San Vincente
"If you truly want to help the soul of your neighbor, you should approach God first with all your heart. Ask him simply to fill you with charity, the greatest of all virtues; with it you can accomplish what you desire."
"Whatever you do, think not of yourself, but of God."
Novena to San Vincente Ferrer
O Saint Vincent Ferrer, our guardian, because God, our eternal Father, has blessed you with an inexhaustible fountain of grace and blessing, we beg you to hear our prayers and to assist us with your powerful intercession which is even more effective now that you are in heaven than it was when you were on earth. Full of confidence in your mercy and compassion, we kneel in prayer before you, and commend to your powerful intercession all our needs, those of our families, our friends, relatives, and especially (your request here).
Glorious Saint Vincent Ferrer let not our hope and confidence in your protection be deceived. Intercede for us before the throne of God. Watch over our eternal welfare. If our trials and tribulations in this world multiply, may they serve to give us spiritual joy and happiness. If God will only grant us the grace of ever-increasing patience to the end that we may save our souls.
Amen.
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