Saint Who?
Saints Who Fostered Vocations to the Priesthood
Saint Vincent de Paul
Priest and founder († 1660)September 27
“There is nothing more perfect than the formation of a good priest.” Vincent de Paul was born in France in 1581. His parents were poor, and eager for a better life for their son. Vincent, intelligent, witty, and ambitious, seems to have been as much attracted to the priesthood for its worldly benefits as for its spiritual ones.
Ordained at nineteen, Vincent achieved security and status, but did not find peace. While lifting the chalice at Mass one day, he heard the words, “I do not know you.” After a crisis of faith, a capture by pirates, and a period as a slave in North Africa, he came under the guidance of the French mystic Father Pierre de Bérulle, who also inspired Saint John Eudes (see “Saint Who?” of July 10). The fiery Vincent became meek and gentle, and eventually resolved to dedicate himself to the needy and destitute.
Intensely aware of the poor state of clerical formation in France, Vincent also worked to form clergy. He urged young men not to pursue the priesthood for secular purposes, as he had at first. Rather, they should “have a genuine call from God and a pure intention of honoring our Lord by the practice of his virtues.” Vincent founded the Congregation of the Mission, known today as the Vincentians, and helped to catalyze a new generation of priests dedicated to service and missionary work. He died in 1660.
Eternal Father, through the prayers and example
of Saint Vincent de Paul, bring true reform
where it is needed.
