St Vincent de Paul

Few saints are as loveable as St Vincent de Paul. Born of peasant stock he began his studies for the priesthood with the idea of gaining a benefice and living a comfortable life. He was captured by pirates and lived as a slave in North Africa before escaping with his master, a reconverted Christian. Coming under the influence of the great Fr Bérulle, he gave up his quest for comfort and instead sought to live for God alone. After this his care was always for souls, and that from the love of God. Whatever he could do for the sake of souls he did. His Congregation for the Mission arose from the dire need for Christian instruction among the poor. He acted as chaplain for the slaves of the King’s galleys, the hearts of those wretched men being touched by one who was one of their own. He founded houses for the aged poor, for the orphaned poor, the Ladies of Charity for the wealthy women of society, the Daughters of Charity for those women who would give themselves entirely in service of the poor. He ran retreats for priests, ordinands and lay folk, gave weekly conferences for the ongoing formation of priests, created one of the two great seminaries of Paris in his day. King Louis XIII died in his arms. He was advisor to Anne of Austria. Cardinal Richelieu received his rebukes with patience. He strove against the Jansenist heresy. He was a friend of saints like St Francis de Sales, St Jane de Chantal and St Louise de Marillac.

Truly St Vincent de Paul is one of the most remarkable of the Church’s saints, a man who truly lived for God alone and who was never afraid to act for the sake of God, no matter the cost.