Feast of St. Vincent DePaul

Today is the feast of St. Vincent DePaul. This saint has a special meaning in the lives of my family. My dear father-in-law was very active in working for the St. Vincent DePaul society throughout my husband’s growing up years. He even took my husband and his siblings with him from time to time to collect donations and unload trucks.

When I read through the old letters of my grandparents I learned that they too were active with the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

When our baby died, the St. Vincent DePaul society stepped in and bought the casket and vault for us, without being asked. They just did it. So dear St. Vincent and his society will always have a special place in my heart!

St. Vincent is a good example of a person who finds his true calling only after abandoning his own plans for his life!
The Feast of St. Vincent de Paul.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul > Home

St. Vincent de Paul was born in 1581 in the small French village of Gascony. He learned to read and write at a young age. His family sent him away to school at age 15 and paid his tuition by selling the family’s oxen. His father made this sacrifice belieivnt that it would lead to a good ecclesiastical career which would enable the young Vincent to become financially independent and able to support his family. Vincent was ordained into the priesthood at age 19.

Yet at the age of 21, Vincent was captured by a group of Barbary pirates and was auctioned off as a slave. He became the property of an apostate Christian for two years before he was able to escape.

Once he was back in Paris, Vincent met a theologian who was in the midst of a deep crisis of faith. Moved with deep compassion for his friend, Vincent begged that his friend would find peace, even if it meant that he himself would have to experience a spiritual trial. His prayers were answered. The theologian had his faith restored and Vincent entered a bleak period of spirital crisis.

While he struggled with his faith, Vicent began visiting the poor. He ultimately found peace in renouncing the desire for prestige and fame and making a pledge to serve the poor for God.

His faith was renewed and his ministry grew.  Besides working for the spiritual needs of teh poor, Vincent worked to provide food, shelter and care for the sick. He was frequently seen washing bandages and ladling out soup.

Saint Vincent de Paul, died in 1660, and was declared blessed by Pope Leo XIII 

Pope Leo XIII
He was canonized June 16, 1737 by Pope Clement VII

Today his remains are visible here and more information about his incorrupt body here. 

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