OSV Kids: Saint Vincent de Paul

By OSV Kids, OSV News

Saint: St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)
Feast day: Sept. 27

“We should spend as much time in thanking God for his benefits as we do in asking him for them.” -- St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul was born to a poor French family that lived near the river “Paul,” hence his name “de Paul.” He showed such promise as a student that his father sold the family ox to pay for him to go to seminary. Not long after his ordination, he was captured by Barbary pirates as he traveled on business. He served as a slave to three masters; his final owner was a Christian who had renounced the Faith. Vincent reconverted him and was allowed to return to France. Known as the Great Apostle of Charity, he worked tirelessly for the poor but as a spiritual director was equally concerned with helping serve priests and seminarians.

In his memory:
-- Contribute to the support of a seminarian from your diocese.
-- Donate to your local St. Vincent de Paul society.