05 April - Vincent Ferrier is a priest of the Dominican Order, born on 23 January 1350 near Valencia (Crown of Aragon) and died on 5 April 1419 in Vannes (Brittany).

Vincent is the fourth child of a man of Aragonese nobility, Guillem Ferrer, originally from Palamos and Constança Miquel. According to some legends, his father had a dream before his birth informing him that he would have a Dominican son. At the age of 19, Vincent Ferrer entered the Order of Preachers, commonly known as the Dominican Order. In his early years, he was tempted to leave the habit but his parents encouraged him to continue his formation. In 1379, he was ordained priest in Barcelona. At first he taught theology in Barcelona and then at the University of Lleida, where he obtained a doctorate in theology. He became known there for his talents as an orator.

Tireless preacher and evangelizer of Europe for twenty years, from 1399 until his death, he traveled throughout Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and even as far as Scotland. He was often accompanied by an impressive number of disciples, so much so that he had to preach in large outdoor spaces in order to be heard by the crowds. He is believed to have the gift of languages, given his ability to communicate with so many different peoples.

He addresses "the Jewish question" in Spain where he preaches the conversion of the Jews. For the historian Salomon Mitrani-Samarian, "while trying to moderate the savagery of the massacres, he brought into the bosom of the Church the unfortunate Jews who, in order to escape death, took refuge in the churches" and according to his apologists, converted 25,000 to 30,000 Jews; a rabbi of the time affirmed, with regret, that Vincent Ferrier had converted, in total, "more than 200,000 Jews".

Diocese of Miarinarivo

Pope Francis has accepted the renunciation of the pastoral government of the Diocese of Miarinarivo, presented by H.E. Mgr Jean Claude Randrianarisoa. At the same time, the Supreme Pontiff has appointed H.E. Mgr Marie Fabien Raharilamboniaina, as Apostolic Admnistrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the same Diocese.

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Love and Salvation

Christmas is a great joy, because it is the love of God that has come to us, proclaims Fr. Bizimana Innocent, Provincial Superior of the Salesians Don Bosco of Madagascar and Mauritius, presenting his Christmas greetings. Salvation is accomplished, so life is not in danger of disappearing. It is this love and this salvation that we wish to fill our life so that we have peace.

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Zatti, our brother

The short film "Zatti, our brother" (Argentina, 2020) focuses on one of the most difficult episodes of his life. We are in Viedma, in 1941: at the age of 60, Zatti is forced to leave the hospital he has attended for decades. His faith and strength are tested.

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