On Tuesday, the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee marked the feast day of St. Vincent Ferrer, a friar and preacher who contributed to ending the Great Schism.

"Today we celebrate the missionary efforts of St. Vincent Ferrer, a Dominican preacher who brought thousands into the Catholic Church during a political and spiritual crisis in Western Europe in the 14th century," the diocese posted on Facebook Tuesday. 

Ferrer was born in Aragon in 1350, a Britannica report said. He entered the Dominican Order at a young age, and he studied to be a professor of theology. He was hired by the antipope Benedict XIII; however, he quit after five years to engage in mission travel around Europe. 

"St. Vincent committed much of the Bible to memory and was known for his preaching and his gift of prophecy," the diocese said. "He denounced greed, blasphemy, sexual immorality and a trending disbelief in the faith. His preaching often drew crowds of thousands and led to many conversions."

The Britannica report described Ferrer as a popular preacher who converted many Jewish people to the Catholic faith. Additionally, he was dedicated to ending the Great Schism, and he attempted to convince Benedict XIII to relinquish his papal claim. 

From 1378 to 1417, there were two rival Catholic popes. The Great Schism, as it is called, began with the election of Pope Urban VI, who some cardinals found to be "hostile." Those cardinals separated themselves from the group and elected Clement VII as their pope, claiming that Urban VI was illegitimate. 

Having two rival popes who denounced each other presented "a tremendous loss of prestige for the papacy," the Britannica report said. Many attempts were made to resolve the schism, but none were successful until Pope Martin V was elected in 1417.

Ferrer helped in the election of Ferdinand I, king of Aragon. Afterward, he convinced Ferdinand to end his support of Benedict. The Great Schism officially ended with Martin V's election, and Ferrer spent the final two years of his life preaching in France.

St. Vincent Ferrer's feast day is celebrated on April 5, a report from Franciscan Media said. He is the patron saint of builders, businessmen and reconciliation. 

“St. Vincent Ferrer, thank you for your passion," the diocese said. "Please pray for us!"