His Word Today: Saint Vincent de Paul

Seventeenth-century portrait of
Saint Vincent de Paul
by Simon François de Tours

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, a French priest who was born in 1581 in the village of Pouy, in the Province of Guyenne and Gascony, in the Kingdom of France.  His parents, Jean and Bertrande de Moras de Paul, were peasant farmers.  There was a stream close by their farm that was known as the Paul and it is believed that this may have been the derivation of the family name.  In an effort not to be perceived as of noble birth, Vincent wrote his name as Depaul.

At the age of 15 years, his father sent Vincent to a seminary, paying for his education by selling his oxen.  Vincent's early interests in the priesthood were largely with the intent of establishing a successful career and obtaining a benefice so he could retiring early and support his family.  He was a brilliant student, by the age of nineteen years, he was already ordained a priest - on 23 September 1600 and within the next few years, he earned a Bachelor of Theology degree and a Licentiate in Canon Law.

After some pastoral assignments, he was appointed as chaplain and tutor to the Gondi family, Florentine bankers.  While preaching a mission to peasants on the Gondi estates, his sensitivity to the plight of the poor was sharpened.  Vincent became convinced that he should direct his efforts toward helping the poor.  Beginning with the poor tenant farmers, Vincent went on to providing assistance to many of the country people in surrounding areas.

He went on to serve the poor in many ways: collecting funds for missionary projects, establishing hospitals, gathering relief funds for victims of war and to ransom 1200 galley slaves from North Africa.

Vincent was zealous in conducting retreats for clergy at a time when there was great laxity, abuse, and ignorance among them. He was a pioneer in clerical training and was instrumental in establishing seminaries.  He died in Paris on 27 September 1660.

Today's gospel speaks of Herod's curiosity to understand who Jesus was (cf Lk 9:7-9).  This curiosity is often the first step on a journey that still leads disciples, like Vincent and other modern-day followers, to discover a compelling relationship with Jesus that changes our lives and makes us aware of the needs of others.  Let us pray today for the courage to say yes to Jesus when he tugs at our hearts and places us in circumstances where we can respond generously to his promptings to be of service to others.

Have a great day.