A wonderful person has passed away tonight: Vicente Ferrer. They will never beatify him like they did homonym (and so the Church will once again be shown up), but I cannot find the words to pay sufficient tribute to this man, who is more committed than anyone else to those in need. Fifty years devoted exclusively to helping the poorest and most needy in the most remote and destitute region of India, Anantapur. A caste, the untouchables or Dalits, who are relegated to the most extreme marginalisation. That is where Vicente Ferrer arrived 50 years ago, at the very heart of marginalisation, where the need was greatest. His work, and that of all the donors, has ensured that today the Vicente Ferrer Foundation serve as a model of cooperation.
He popularised sponsorship in the most sensitive and effective way, and today more than 2.5 million people depend on the work of his team. These are staggering figures that should make us all feel ashamed when we compare them with what we have done for those most in need. Personally, I believe that rarely has a Nobel Peace Prize been more justified. A man who, as one would expect, donated all the income he received from his many honours and awards to the same cause.
Fortunately, his wife and partner Ana Ferrer, his son Moncho, and his nephew Jordi Folgado Ferrer will carry on with the work for as long as we all wish. I leave you with a message from this wonderful team on this very sad day for humanity:
«It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that my dear husband and our great friend Vicente Ferrer passed away peacefully at 1.15 am on 19 June, following complications from his heart condition and the stroke he suffered recently.”.
I know we all feel that Vicente has achieved far more than just a great deal in the course of his life. Now the time has come for him to rest in peace, and for us to carry on with the great work he began, as well as to spread his ideals of commitment to the most disadvantaged and “action” to alleviate the suffering in this world.
You have all been with us in spirit and in heart throughout these past three months since Vicente suffered a stroke on 19 March, and you have been a great help and source of support.
To me, my husband has not left us; rather, he lives on in every corner of Anantapur and in every aspect of the work we do in our villages. For all of us in India and Spain, he continues to live on through his simple words and messages, which hold meaning for everyone, whatever their beliefs or circumstances.
Anna Ferrer, Moncho Ferrer, Jordi Folgado and the family members.»
I can assure you that what you see in these three videos is the absolute truth. If, after watching them, you don’t feel the need to help (anyone, in any way), I pity you.
May this man of integrity, kindness and exemplary character rest in peace. Thank you so much, and namaste.