Patron Saint

St. Vincent de Paul was born in France to poor parents on April 24, 1581. At a young age, he showed talent in reading and writing so his parents sold their family oxen to send him to the seminary. St. Vincent became a priest at the age of 19.

In 1605, St. Vincent was traveling home to attend to an inheritance when he was captured by pirates and was sold into slavery for two years. He was freed when he convinced his second master, a former munk, to return to France for absolution. He then traveled to Rome. In Rome, Pope Paul V asked him to go on a mission to France where he remained as chaplain to the queen.

A dying servant's death bed confession in 1617 became a sign from God and opened his eyes to the spiritual needs of the peasantry in France. He began to organize his works of charity for the poor, sick, children, and the aged which inspired many in the French courts to take an interest in the poor of Paris.

St. Vincent also inspired other young men and priests to join him in working with the poor in the French countryside. This group called the "Vincentians" taught the poor about Jesus and helped them to get food and clothing. IN 1633, he also established the Daughters of Charity with the help of Saint Louise de Marillac.

St. Vincent de Paul died in Paris on September 27, 1660 and was canonized on June 16, 1737 by Pope Clement XII. He is the patron saint of charities and volunteers.

Patron Saint

"I was hungry and you gave me food; thirsty and you gave me drink; a stranger and you welcomed me; naked and you clothed me; sick and you cared for me; in prison and you visited me." (Matthew 25: 35-36)

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