SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL (1581-1660)
September 27
	St. Vincent de Paul was born in the 16th century and lived on a small farm in Gascony, France. He worked herding his family’s livestock as a child and entered seminary at age 15. He was ordained at age 19 but since he was too young to be a pastor, he continued his theological studies. Although he initially hoped priesthood would afford him a comfortable life, he had a change of heart while hearing the confession of a dying servant. From then on, he sought to fulfill the spiritual needs of the poor in France. He eventually became the leader of the Vincentian community, whose members devoted themselves to the service of the poor in small towns and villages. Throughout his life he established confraternities of charity, organized fundraisers for missionary projects, founded hospitals and seminaries, and ransomed slaves. He also had a particular passion for training priests by conducting retreats. Vincent started out as a hard and rough man but became tender and sensitive to others' needs. Let us be uplifted by the example of St. Vincent de Paul, who allowed himself to be transformed by Christ in both character and deeds. May we follow his example and seek to serve those in need in whatever capacity God may be calling us to.
―Tami Urcia