San Vicente Ferrer's Wings

 SAN VICENTE FERRER (1350-1419)
The Dominicans celebrate his Memorial on May 5

Q: Why is St. Vincent Ferrer depicted with wings in his iconography?

A:  Such depiction is taken from the ‘Bulla’ of the Canonization (Bull S. Ord. Praed. T.V., Pope Pius II) of St. Vincent Ferrer which underscores his preaching on the Last Judgment, Repentance and Eternal Life:

"In the countries of the West, the number of Jews and infidels increased, who by their wealth and their culture of letters exercised a fatal influence. The Last Day, the terrible Day of Judgement was almost forgotten, but Divine Providence was pleased to restore and beautify His Church by illustrious men. At a favorable moment, He sent into the world, for the salvation of the faithful, Vincent of Valencia, of the Order of Friar Preachers, a skillful professor of Sacred Theology. He professed all knowledge of the eternal Gospel. Like a vigorous athlete, he rushed to combat the errors of the Jews, the Saracens and other infidels; HE WAS THE ANGEL OF THE APOCALYPSE, flying through the heavens to announce the day of the Last Judgment, to evangelize the inhabitants of the earth, to sow the seeds of salvation among all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues and to point out the way of eternal life." 

Source: Pradel, Andrew Pradel OP, St. Vincent Ferrer, The Angel of The Judgment, Imprimatur: A. de Pous, Vicar General, Toulouse, 9 October 1863

Photo: Predicación de San Vicente Ferrer, óleo sobre lienzo, atribuido a Pedro Rodríguez de Miranda, colección particular, circa 1750

Article by Fr. Louie Coronel, OP