 |
| San Vincenzo de' Paoli, ora pro nobis |
July 19 is the Feast of San Vincenzo de’ Paoli (1581-1660), Priest and Founder of the Congregation of the Mission (Lazarists, or Vincentians) and the Confraternities of Charity. Patron saint of charitable societies, San Vincenzo is revered for his selflessness and compassion to the poor.
Appointed chaplain to the galleys by King Louis XIII of France, he ministered to the slaves and prisoners condemned to row the kingdom’s ships. Captured by Turkish corsairs off the coast of southern France in 1605, he was sold into slavery in the bazaars of Tunis. Eventually converting his Moslem master to the Faith, he was set free and returned to France.
In addition to his many works of charity, San Vincenzo is also renowned for his reforms to counter clerical abuse and his opposition to the Jansenist heresy plaguing France.
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Vincent de Paul. The accompanying photo is my makeshift shrine dedicated to the saint. Evviva San Vincenzo de’ Paoli!
Prayer to St. Vincent de Paul
Noble Saint Vincent de Paul, beloved servant of the poor, may we follow your example and do good works among those whom society has abandoned, enslaved, or forgotten. Inspire us to feed the hungry, to love a child, to provide comfort and medicine to the sick, to clothe those whose garments are threadbare, and to offer hope and our Lord’s words to all who need respite. Pray for us to our beloved God that we may commit ourselves selflessly to doing the same charitable acts that you did all your life, and intercede with him that we may have the favor of his guidance and strength and love upon this important and meaningful work. Amen.
