Saint Vincent de Paul

Vincent de Paul was born at Pouy, Landes, Gascony, France to a peasant family.

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.

DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, USA takes its name from Vincent de Paul.