Biography
“Our vocation is to go and enflame the heart of men, to do what the Son of God did, He who brought fire into the world to set it alight with His love. What else can we wish for, than for it to burn and consume all things?” [1] St. Vincent de Paul was born in France in the 16th century to peasant parents. He studied theology and became ordained around the age of 20. He tutored some noble French children, the de Gondi’s, and began leading missions on their estate. From these missions grew groups devoted to charity. As his ministry grew, St. Vincent was appointed royal almoner of the galleys by King Louis XIII. As such, he built hospitals in France for convicts and the poor. St. Vincent founded the Congregation of Priests of the Mission, a group of priests committed to evangelizing in the countryside. With the growing number of converts, St. Vincent recognized the need for more local priests. He re-energized the seminaries in France and around 1660, his congregation was overseeing one-third of France’s seminaries. Also, St. Vincent co-founded the Daughters of Charity with St. Louise de Marillac, a group of women committed to working amongst the poor. St. Vincent de Paul’s love for the poor has grown into an international ministry and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul looks to him as their patron. He is beloved as the “Apostle of Charity.” [2] Written by Sarah Ciotti Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD [1] St. Vincent de Paul, “It is not enough to love God if my neighbor does not love him” in Conferences to the Priests of the Mission, www.vatican.va. [2] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “St. Vincent de Paul.” Thank you for praying with us. If you feel called, your Lenten offering helps carry this prayer to more hearts and languages. Contribute now