Back in France, he became closely acquainted with the poverty and misery suffered by the most vulnerable people, which awakened a strong sense of mission in him. Instead of continuing to seek privileges, he devoted himself entirely to the service of the poor, founding the “Confraternities of Charity”, which focused on helping the most needy.
His work led him to found the Congregation of the Mission in 1625, which was dedicated to training priests and missionaries to work with rural communities. Throughout his life, he collaborated with St. Louise de Marillac to create the Daughters of Charity, a female community dedicated to serving the poor, sick, and orphans.
St. Vincent de Paul was also dedicated to reforming the clergy and establishing seminaries to improve the formation of priests. He died in 1660, and his legacy as a tireless advocate for the poor still endures. Many organizations, such as the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, continue his charitable mission. He was canonized in 1737 and is remembered as an example of compassion and service in the Catholic Church.
What does the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) do?
Inspired by the principles of the Gospel and the example of St. Vincent de Paul, known for his dedication to the poor, these young people founded the SSVP to provide material and spiritual support to those most in need.
Today, the SSVP is present in more than 150 countries and has hundreds of thousands of members, known as Vincentians, who organize themselves into local “conferences.” Usually linked to parishes or communities, these conferences engage in various charitable activities.
Among its most common tasks are distributing food, clothing, and financial assistance and offering emotional and spiritual accompaniment to people in need. SSVP remains one of the world’s largest and most active Catholic charitable organizations, faithful to its mission of promoting justice and human dignity.
Important churches in the life of St. Vincent de Paul
1. Church of Saint-Sauveur (Saint-Médard), Clichy, France
He laid the foundation for his legacy of compassion and service to the needy through his example of life, preaching, and creating confraternities dedicated to charity. His time in San Salvador was crucial in developing his commitment to the poor, which later led him to found the congregations of the Daughters of Charity and the Congregation of the Mission and set an example for other foundations, such as the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
- For more information on this church, visit the website of the Saint-Sauveur Church.
- Location: 92 Bd Jean Jaurès, 92110 Clichy, France
2. Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul, Paris, France
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Today, her body has a realistic appearance thanks to a wax covering. Her heart was removed and placed in a reliquary in the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal and can be venerated by accessing the back of the altar. The reliquary was created by Charles Odiot, the leading goldsmith of his time.
Above the main altar is a large trompe-l’œil painting created by Brother François Carbonnier in 1855. The work depicts the apotheosis of St. Vincent and his principal institutions. The Latin inscription “Pertransiit bene faciendo” translates as “He did good,” a quote from Acts (10:38) referring to the life of St. Vincent de Paul. In the center of the painting, St. Vincent is lifted to heaven by two angels, while around him are depicted his good works, such as a missionary preaching and assisting the poor. The sanctuary’s ceiling is adorned with blue details, the color of the Virgin Mary, and sunflowers, the symbol of Christ.
- For more information about this church, visit the website of the Sanctuary of St. Vincent de Paul.
- Location: 95 Rue de Sèvres, 75006 Paris, France
Prayers to St. Vincent de Paul
1. Prayer to ask for comfort and compassion
O glorious St. Vincent, heavenly Patron of all charitable associations and father of all the unfortunate, who never abandoned any of those who came to you during your life!
Look at the multitude of evils that weigh upon us, and come to our aid; obtain from the Lord succor for the poor, relief for the sick, consolation for the afflicted, protection for the destitute, charity for the rich, conversion for sinners, zeal for priests, peace for the Church, tranquility for the nations, and salvation for all.
Yes, let them experience all the effects of your tender compassion, and thus, through your help in the miseries of this life, let us join you in heaven, where there will be neither sadness, nor tears, nor pain, but joy, happiness, tranquility, and eternal beatitude.
Amen.
2. Prayer for an increase of love in your life
Lord, teach us to be generous;
Give without counting the cost;
Return good for evil;
Serve without expectation of reward;
Approach those who are repulsive to us;
Do good to those who cannot reciprocate;
Love generously;
Work without worrying about rest;
Be concerned only with giving;
Give all of ourselves;
Give to those who need us,
Hoping to receive only from You, Lord, our reward.
Amen.
His tireless commitment to improving the lives of those most in need and his vision of a priesthood at the service of others continue to inspire people worldwide. Remembered as the“apostle of charity,” his legacy lives on through the many organizations and institutions that continue his mission of love and dedication to the service of others. St. Vincent invites us all to live with a generous heart and an active faith, responding to the needs of our brothers and sisters with the same dedication and humility that he showed throughout his life.
