Portal:Catholic Church/Patron Archive/July 19 2007

Saint Vincent de Paul (April 24, 1581 – September 27, 1660) was born at Pouy, Landes, Gascony, France to a peasant family. His feast was formerly kept on July 19, but is now observed on September 27 - the day of his death.

He studied humanities at Dax with the Cordeliers and he graduated in theology at Toulouse. Vincent de Paul was ordained in 1600, remaining in Toulouse until he went to Marseille for an inheritance. On his way back from Marseille, he was taken captive by Turkish pirates to Tunis, and sold into slavery. After converting his owner to Christianity, Vincent de Paul was freed in 1607.

Vincent returned to France and served as priest in a parish near Paris. He was once discouraged by the number of babies brought to Notre Dame, so he established a home for these foundlings.

He founded many charitable organizations such as Daughters of Charity, with Louise de Marillac, and the Congregation of Priests of the Mission (Lazarists).

Attributes:

Patronage: charities; horses; hospitals; leprosy; lost articles; Madagascar; prisoners; Richmond, Virginia; spiritual help; Saint Vincent de Paul Societies; Vincentian Service Corps; volunteers

Prayer: