Vincent was born at Valencia, Spain in 1350. His father was an Englishman, who had been knighted at the siege of the city. Vincent was a great scholar and became Master of Theology — he knew the entire Bible by heart. He became a Dominican Friar at age 18 against his family's wishes.

      He taught theology and was an adviser to the King of Aragon. A great preacher, he converted thousands in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, England, Scotland, and Ireland. He was invited to preach in Muslim Granada. The favourite topic of his sermons was the final judgment. He repeated over and over the words of the prophet, "Arise, ye dead, and come to the judgment." He is often called the "Angel of the Judgment." A renowned wonder-worker, Vincent cured the sick, the blind and the lame.

      He became a counsellor to Pope Benedict XIII and travelled through Spain, France, Switzerland and Italy in an attempt to end the Great Schism. Disillusioned at his failed efforts to heal the schism between Rome and Avignon, St. Vincent saw a vision of our Lord standing between St. Dominic and St. Francis, commissioning him directly to go about preaching penance.

      He was released by Benedict XIII in November 1399 to do this, and continued his preaching and wandering throughout western Europe until his death on April 5, 1419 at Vannes, Brittany, where his relics are venerated.

      He was canonized by Pope Calixtus II in 1458.