Vincent de Paul, Priest

Vincent was born at Pouy, France in 1581, the third of six children. He was ordained a priest and served in several key positions. He became noted for his work among the poor, and was a chaplain to galley slaves waiting to be shipped abroad. In 1625, with the help of a wealthy friend, Vincent founded the Congregation of the Missions (known today as the Vincentians), an order devoted to work among the peasants. In 1633, along with Saint Louise de Marillac, he founded the Sisters of Charity. In his lifetime, Vincent de Paul established hospitals, orphanages, and seminaries; ransomed slaves in northern Africa; sent his priests abroad to preach missions; and organized far-flung relief among victims of war. It is remarkable that one man could achieve so much.

Even though he was ordained a priest at an early age, it took an awakening event for Vincent to recognize what God was calling him to do. The same is true for many of us, no matter what age we are. God may be asking us to do something as simple as praying for our neighbor. On the other hand, God may be asking us to do much more.