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Patron Saint Vincent de Paul
The Society was named after Saint Vincent de Paul and follows his teachings and compassion for people in need.
Who is St Vincent de Paul?
Vincent de Paul was born in the small southern French village of Pouy – later renamed Saint Vincent de Paul in his honour – on 24 April 1581. He was ordained as a priest in 1600 at the age of 19.
As a young man, he ministered to the wealthy and powerful. However, an appointment as chaplain to a poor parish and to galley prisoners, inspired him to work with the poor, those most marginalised and powerless.
Vincent urged his followers to bring God’s justice and love to people who were unable to live a full human life:
“‘Deal with the most urgent needs. Organise charity so that it is more efficient…teach reading and writing, educate with the aim of giving each the means of self-support. Intervene with authorities to obtain reforms in structure… there is no charity without justice.’”
Vincent de Paul died in Paris on 27 September 1660 at the age of 79. He was canonised on 16 June 1737. The Catholic Church designated him as the special patron of all charitable associations in 1883.
Saint Vincent de Paul is the international patron of the Society, which was named in his honour when established in Paris in 1833.
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