Bibliography
Saint Vincent de Paul
Saint Vincent de Paul (April 24, 1581 – September 27, 1660) was born at Pouy, Landes,
Gascony, France to a peasant family. His feast was formerly kept on July 19, but
is now observed on September 27 - the day of his death.
He studied humanities at Dax with the Cordeliers and he graduated in theology at
Toulouse. Vincent de Paul was ordained in 1600, remaining in Toulouse until he went
to Marseille for an inheritance. On his way back from Marseille, he was taken captive
by Turkish pirates to Tunis, and sold into slavery. After converting his owner to
Christianity, Vincent de Paul was freed in 1607. Vincent returned to France and
served as priest in a parish near Paris. He was at once discouraged by the number
of babies brought to Notre Dame, so he established a home for these foundlings.
He founded many charitable organizations such as Congregation of the Daughters of
Charity, with Louise de Marillac, and the Congregation of Priests of the Mission
(Lazarists).
In 1705 the Superior-General of the Lazarists requested that the process of his
canonization might be instituted. On August 13, 1729, Vincent was declared Blessed
by Benedict XIII, and canonized by Clement XII on June 16, 1737. In 1885 Leo XIII
gave him as patron to the Sisters of Charity. He is also patron to the Brothers
of Charity. His body has remained incorrupt to this day.
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is an international organization of Roman Catholic
lay men and women of all ages, whose primary mission is to help the poor and less
fortunate.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833. The primary figure behind
the Society's founding was Frederick Ozanam, a French lawyer, author, and professor
in the Sorbonne. He was 20 years old in the year the Society was founded.
The Society took Saint Vincent de Paul as its patron under the influence of Sister
Rosalie Rendu, DC (Daughter of Charity). Sister Rosalie (who was beatified in 2004
by Pope John Paul II) was member of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
Sr. Rosalie, who was well known for her work with people in the slums of Paris,
guided Frédéric and his companions in their approach towards those in need.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is part of the Vincentian Family which also includes
the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian priests and brothers, also founded by
St. Vincent de Paul), Daughters of Charity, Ladies of Charity (organization of lay
women who help the poor, founded by St. Vincent de Paul), Sisters of Charity in
the Setonian tradition, and several others, including some religious groups who
are part of the Anglican Communion (Church of England, Episcopal Church USA, etc.).
The Society numbers about 950,000 in some 132 countries worldwide, whose members
operate through "conferences". A conference may be based out of Catholic volunteers
who dedicate their time and resources to help those in need in their community.
Non-Catholics may join with the understanding that the Society is a Catholic organization.
