St. Vincent de Paul
French priest (1581-1660), Gascon peasant son educated for the priesthood; transformative encounter with the spiritual needs of poor French peasants in 1617 led to a lifetime's work for the poor and clergy formation. Founded the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians/Lazarists, 1625), with St. Louise de Marillac the Daughters of Charity (1633), and the Tuesday Conferences for clergy. Patron of all charitable societies. Canonized 1737 by Clement XII.
Life & Times
Born: 24 April 1581 · Died: 27 September 1660 · From: Pouy, Gascony, France / Paris, France.
Patronage
St. Vincent de Paul is invoked as the patron of charities, hospitals, prisoners, volunteers, social workers. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“It is not enough to do good. It must be done well.”— Conferences to the Daughters of Charity, recorded by St. Louise de Marillac (1640s)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Vincent de Paul, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.