MEMORIAL: SEPTEMBER 27
St. Vincent de Paul was born at the end of the 16th century in France. After tutoring a local wealthy family, Vincent decided to study theology and become a priest. Early in his priesthood, he was captured and made a slave. He endured this life for two years until he escaped and returned to France. He then focused on preaching and giving alms to the poor.
Vincent was concerned with reforming the priesthood of France, establishing hospitals for the poor, and establishing the Ladies of Charity and the Congregations of Priests of the Mission (the Vincentians). St. Vincent died at the age of 79, and his incorrupt heart can be found at the Convent of the Sisters of Charity in Paris. St. Vincent’s mission lives on throughout the world in over 90 countries with the mission of serving the poor. He is the patron saint of charities and horses.
