Saint Vincent De Paul

Biography

Saint Vincent de Paul was born on April 24, 1581, in Ranquine, Gascony, near Dax, southwest France. He was born into a peasant family but showed exceptional intelligence from an early age. At the age of 16, Vincent began his education at the Franciscan friars in Acq, France. He spent four years there, receiving a comprehensive education. After completing his studies with the Franciscans, Vincent became a tutor to the children of a gentlemen in Acq. However, he felt a religious calling and decided to pursue divinity studies at the University of Toulouse in 1596. At just 20 years old, Vincent was ordained as a priest. In 1605, while sailing from Marseille to Narbonne, Vincent was captured by Turkish pirates and taken to Tunis, where he was sold into slavery. During his time as a slave, he managed to convert one of his owners to Christianity, which ultimately led to his freedom in 1607. Returning to France, Vincent became a parish priest near Paris. It was here that he started various organizations to aid the poor, the sick, and the unemployed. He also served as a chaplain at the court of Henry IV of France. One of his significant accomplishments during this time was his collaboration with Louise de Marillac in founding the Congregation of the Daughters of Charity, a group of religious women dedicated to serving the poor and sick. Vincent's commitment to helping those in need led him to establish the Congregation of Priests of the Mission, also known as the Lazarists. This religious community was focused on serving the poor, enslaved, abandoned, and marginalized individuals in society. The work of the Lazarists spread throughout France and beyond, making a substantial impact on the lives of countless people. Saint Vincent de Paul's immense compassion and dedication to charitable work earned him a reputation as a champion of the poor. He was renowned for his acts of mercy and tireless efforts to alleviate the suffering of others. His representation often depicts him as a 16th-century cleric performing acts of charity or surrounded by the Sisters of Charity. On September 27, 1660, Saint Vincent de Paul passed away in Paris, France, of natural causes. His body was found incorrupt when exhumed in 1712 but was later defleshed due to a flood. However, a wax effigy of his skeleton rests in the house of the Vincentian fathers in Paris, while his incorrupt heart is displayed in a reliquary in the chapel of the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity. Saint Vincent de Paul was beatified on August 21, 1729, by Pope Benedict XIII and canonized on June 16, 1737, by Pope Clement XII. He is widely venerated as the patron saint against leprosy, as well as for charitable societies, charitable workers, horses, hospital workers, lepers, lost articles, prisoners, spiritual help, and volunteers. His influence and legacy are still celebrated today through organizations such as the Brothers of Charity, the Saint Vincent de Paul Societies, the Sisters of Charity, and the Vincentian Service Corps. Additionally, he is recognized as a patron saint of Madagascar, the diocese of Richmond, Virginia, and San Vincente in Misiones, Argentina.