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Wings! February 20-26, 2011
Wings! February 20-26, 2011
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Volume: XV
Number: 13
Saint Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419) was a Efforts were made to resolve the schism,
Dominican priest caught up in the Great Western including the election of a compromise pope with
Schism — a period of almost forty years in which the idea of uniting the two factions (though this
the Church was divided between two popes, both merely increased the number of claimants to the
claiming to be the legitimate successor to St. papal throne from two to three). Finally, a general
Peter. Vincent was born in Spain. Entering the council was arranged in 1415, with the
Dominican Order, he developed a reputation as understanding that all three popes would resign
a brilliant scholar and powerful preacher. and a new one be officially named. This new pope
chose the name Martin V — but Benedict XIII, in
After being ordained a priest by Cardinal Peter
spite of Vincent’s urgings, refused to resign as
de Luna, Vincent was chosen as prior of the
promised.
monastery in Valencia. In 1378 an Italian cardinal
was elected pope, taking the name Urban VI; Vincent finally concluded that Benedict wasn’t
however, his heavy-handed efforts at reform the real pope, and publicly withdrew his support
alienated some of the French cardinals, who from him; this forced Benedict to flee, eventually
declared his election invalid and chose as pope a ending the Great Schism. St. Vincent Ferrer
different cardinal, who took the name Clement continued preaching throughout Western Europe
VII. This was very confusing for loyal Catholics; until his death in 1419.
Vincent supported Clement, while St. Catherine
Lessons
of Siena backed Urban. (Most Church scholars
today agree that Urban and his successors 1. Even saints can disagree (as St. Vincent did
represented the legitimate line of the papacy.) with St. Catherine) or be mistaken on important
Vincent tried to organize Spanish support for issues.
Clement; when Clement died, Vincent’s mentor
Cardinal de Luna was chosen to replace him, and 2. Persons having great influence or prestige
took the name Benedict XIII. Vincent served as must use these gifts for the well-being of the
Benedict’s confessor, and then spent ten years Church, as Vincent did by withdrawing his
doing intensive mission work in France, Spain, support from Benedict, even if it means
and elsewhere, all the while promoting admitting one was mistaken.
reconciliation and unity in the Church.
2 February 20 - 26, 2011
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FEBRUARY 14, 2011
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