Most Asians, all across the continent, have private shrines in their homes. Since Buddhism is the most common religion in Asia, most of those shrines are Buddhist. But in the relatively small percentage which are Catholic, notably in Vietnam, those Catholics have Christian shrines in their homes. Most of the Catholic paraphernalia we have come from shrines like those. Among the many component parts of a Christian shrine are figures representing saints important to the occupants of the house. These saint figures come from private Catholic shrines in Vietnam. They vary in age. Some could be relatively new, though we believe most date at least as far back as the mid-20th century. Some could me as old as the late 19th century. But in any case, all were made for use in private Vietnamese shrines in their homes, not for sale outside of Vietnam.
"St. Vincent Ferrer was a member of the Order of Friars Preachers or also known as a Dominican Friar. His preaching was so effective in bringing about conversions that he was known as the 'Angel of the Apocalypse'. Apparently, he preached so vividly about the end of the world, he scared the bejezus out of thousands and right into the churches. His Angel moniker is where the wings come in--standard hagiographical symbolism. You will also notice he has on the black and white habit of the Order albeit enhanced with gold to designate his being glorified in heaven." Thank you to Fr. Jordan McConway, O.P. for his contribution to our knowledge about this beautiful statue.
