St. Vincent de Paul
Feast day: September 27
Born in France, Vincent studied under the Franciscans and was ordained in 1600. Five years later, while traveling by sea, his ship was captured by pirates and he was sold into slavery. He served two years in captivity before he escaped and returned to France. He devoted his time to helping the poor, establishing confraternities of men and women to help in this effort. In 1625, he founded the Vincentians, a society of priests charged with missionary work. Along with St. Louise de Marillac, he also founded the Sisters of Charity. Vincent died in 1660 and was canonized in 1737. He is patron of charitable societies.
Collect
O God, who for the relief of the poor
and the formation of the clergy
endowed the Priest Saint Vincent de Paul
with apostolic virtues,
grant, we pray, that, afire with that same spirit,
we may love what he loved
and put into practice what he taught.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
