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| St. Vincent de Paul |
Today, September 27th, the Church commemorates the great St. Vincent de Paul. Most people have some awareness of this man through familiarity with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, or any of the religious orders drawing inspiration from him.
Born probably in 1581, he was ordained at 19 years, and spent two years in captivity. Upon his return to France in 1600, Vincent became chaplain to the wealthy Di Gondi family, but his experience with the slaves inspired him to begin preaching missions. A major influence upon Vincent's spiritual life was St. Francis de Sales.
In 1625, he founded the Congregation of the Missions. In 1633, with Louise de Marillac, he co-founded the Daughters of Charity. By 1660 Vincent's health - after a life of intense service - had deteriorated greaty. Though barely able to walk, he refused any help getting to chapel for Mass until the very last weeks of his life. St. Vincent died on 27th of September, his final word was “confido” - I trust. In this manner he gave up his soul to God, In 1737, he was canonized by Pope Clement XII. In 1997, Bl. John Paul II, beatified one of Vincent's spiritual sons, Frederic Ozanam, the founded of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Born probably in 1581, he was ordained at 19 years, and spent two years in captivity. Upon his return to France in 1600, Vincent became chaplain to the wealthy Di Gondi family, but his experience with the slaves inspired him to begin preaching missions. A major influence upon Vincent's spiritual life was St. Francis de Sales.
In 1625, he founded the Congregation of the Missions. In 1633, with Louise de Marillac, he co-founded the Daughters of Charity. By 1660 Vincent's health - after a life of intense service - had deteriorated greaty. Though barely able to walk, he refused any help getting to chapel for Mass until the very last weeks of his life. St. Vincent died on 27th of September, his final word was “confido” - I trust. In this manner he gave up his soul to God, In 1737, he was canonized by Pope Clement XII. In 1997, Bl. John Paul II, beatified one of Vincent's spiritual sons, Frederic Ozanam, the founded of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Further suggested reading: The Catholic Encyclopedia
1 comment:
Those of you gathered at St Vincent de Paul Church to celebrate this feast can meditate on why this parish is among the many in Toronto with no local Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference.
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