Who is St Vincent De Paul?
This article will introduce you to the life and work of St. Vincent de Paul, as well as the story of His conversion. It is important to understand the man behind the name Vincent de Paul. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of the man who would become one of the most beloved saints of the Church. After all, he was the personification of compassion and charity. But what exactly did St. Vincent do to be a saint?
About St. Vincent de Paul
During his life, St. Vincent de Paul worked to relieve poverty by founding hospitals and preaching missions. His work extended to convicts and prisoners. He also founded charities and congregations, including the Sisters of Charity and the Congregation of Priests of the Mission (Vincentians).
In 1625, Vincent de Paul founded the Congregation of the Mission. These lay associations cared for the poor, nursing them. They also helped to build hospitals and schools. In 1633, St. Vincent cofounded the Daughters of Charity, a noncloistered religious order for women dedicated to social service. These organizations continue the work of St. Vincent de Paul and the charity they promote. The Sisters of Charity offer various kinds of volunteer services to those in need, from assisting the elderly and helping them obtain employment.
About The Society
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has offices in more than 100 countries around the world. The group has over 800,000 members in 153 countries. In Australia, the Society has about 60,000 members and volunteers. They are dedicated to fighting poverty and helping the less fortunate in society. In their efforts, the Society has helped thousands of individuals and families each year. There are 63 Conferences on Long Island. The Diocesan Central Council supports the charitable work of these Conferences and links them with national and international councils.
About His life
While in rural France, St. Vincent served as a priest. He became aware of the deprivation that surrounded people. People without work usually starve to death. As a result, he began to collect donations from wealthy people to feed and clothe those in need. He soon inspired other parishes to begin similar house-to-house requests for help. Ultimately, St. Vincent’s efforts were credited with helping millions of people survive in the process.
Despite his humble beginnings, St. Vincent de Paul’s life is one of great virtue and sacrifice. Vincent de Paul was born to a peasant family in Pouy, France. He studied theology at the University of Toulouse and became a priest at age of twenty-four. However, it was not until he was ordained as a priest that he began his charitable work. He became known as a kind and generous person to those in need, and his generosity and kindness helped him earn his place in the Catholic Church.
From France to Africa
While in Gascony, France, Vincent’s generosity touched thousands of clergy members and people in need. He organized wealthy women to collect funds for missionary projects and built hospitals and convents. Vincent also ransomed over one hundred galley slaves in North Africa. His efforts also helped establish seminaries in France. However, many still don’t know that St. Vincent de Paul was responsible for the ransoming of over a thousand galley slaves.
About His work
During his tenure as a parish priest in rural France, Vincent encountered many poor people. These people often died of starvation. He sought out the support of wealthy friends and organized house-to-house requests for food and other necessities. In time, other parishes in the area followed his lead and began similar requests. His work soon spread throughout Europe. Vincent and his followers are credited for creating the modern social service agency known as the Salvation Army.
Today
Today, there are 190,000 members in 90 countries. The Vincentian Society operates through “conferences” that are based in a church, community center, school, or hospital. The Vincentian tradition is embraced by universities, including St. John’s University, which has a Vincentian Center for Church and Society. Founder Frederic Ozanam attended the Sorbonne and is regarded as the inspiration behind the Society.
About His conversion
The first major event in St. Vincent de Paul’s conversion was his encounter with a man whom he would later call “the holiest man I ever knew.” As the man influenced Vincent, he joined the small circle of reformers who gathered around St. Vincent. After reading the Rule of Perfection by Benet of Canfield, Vincent also became friendly with the Duval family and the Marillacs. Though he knew that he would have to lead the reformation of the church, he remained confident that the benevolence of God would be his own.
Although his conversion would take years to mature, it would eventually bear much fruit. In 1611, Vincent entered into a legal contract and donated 15,000 livres to the Hospital of Charity. He had received this money from Jean de la Thane. This money would go toward Vincent’s charitable works. The Church would grant him a license to serve the poor and poorer. Vincent’s missionary drive also brought about other reformers and saints to prominence.
About His zeal for souls
In the Preface of the Bible, the Lord describes a missionary’s zeal for souls. Such a zeal is an impetus to convert others. Some may even enter lists and fight to the death. Others may be content with teaching debased Christians about Christ. Whatever their motives, they must show people the way to Heaven. The zeal of a missionary is an example of this.
Having a zeal for God is one of the keys to pursuing perfect spirituality. As you pray, try to touch God’s heart. If you find it difficult, try to get closer to Him. If you know Him intimately, worship Him and yearn for His presence. Only then will He be able to reach those around you. In the same way, worship is a powerful vehicle for reaching others.
St. Thomas taught that true apostolic zeal is not the same as false zeal. True apostolic zeal must be constrained by the rules of Scripture and not by self-interest. The zeal that is kept by knowledge and wisdom is a chosen servant of Christ and the saints. He said that the zeal of the apostles is the flame of God’s love for mankind.
About His influence on the Church
One of the most influential theologians of all time, Thomas Aquinas is often called the patron saint of schools, students, and scholars. He is revered as the creator of systematic theology. This theological discipline was largely unquestioned throughout the ages, and he helped to shape Catholicism. But his influence goes beyond doctrine. His stance on ecclesiology is particularly significant today, and he is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest thinkers of all time.
While not a pastor, the influential theologian and statesman C.S. Lewis preached for millions of people worldwide through his Crusades at Earls Court and Harringay. The Crusades were particularly influential in the United Kingdom, where many were converted through his teachings and his call to faith. But the theological influence of Graham goes beyond the Church. It extends beyond the racial integration issues.
About His death
The life and death of St. Vincent de Paul are a source of inspiration for those seeking religious freedom. His conversion to serving the poor and chaplainship came at a time when many people were in slavery. Vincent did not defend himself, and instead sought to become more like Jesus, a servant of all people. His conversion did not take place in a dramatic moment, but rather over the course of his life.
Although Vincent had many followers, he was primarily known for his dedication to the mission entrusted to him. He was a man of simple and direct thinking who looked to Jesus Christ for guidance. He aimed to translate the message of the Gospel into concrete actions. Vincent died on Sept. 27, 1660, and was canonized in 1737. While he was active in the Catholic Church, he also founded numerous religious groups.
The Revolution
During the French Revolution, a revolution erupted in Paris and France’s capital, so Vincent redoubled his efforts to alleviate its effects. He fed tens of thousands of refugees, distributed soup daily to as many as 15,000 people, and sheltered 60 to 80 sick and injured men, women, and children. Vincent even created his own newspaper, “Le magasin charitable,” and began to fund potages economiques in the devastated provinces of France. Vincent encouraged the foundation of societies to help bury the dead and clean up the dirt.
About His conversion to Catholicism
While his conversion to Catholicism may not have been an easy one, it was necessary for the salvation of his soul. In the process, he became a symbol of the defeat of Erastian Anglicanism. Moreover, the decision was a public celebration of religion over secularism. Here are some of the facts that explain his conversion to Catholicism. And what can we learn from this remarkable man?
Thomas Howard, a prolific writer and highly respected Catholic, describes his conversion to Catholicism in His Conversion to the Church of Rome. In this compelling account of his journey, he describes his journey from Evangelicalism to Anglicanism, and finally to Catholicism. Fr. Richard Neuhaus calls it a marvelously engaging recollection. And it will inspire you too.