Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) was made a saint in 1737, but the organization known as St. Vincent de Paul was not founded until more than 150 years after his death.
In 1833 Frederic Ozanam, a student at the Sorbornne in Paris, France, formed the “Society” of St. Vincent de Paul after St. Vincent de Paul, a man of deep faith who has become known as the “Apostle of Charity” and “Father of the Poor.” One of the Societies’ founding principles encourages members and volunteers to “see Christ in the poor, and to be Christ to the poor.”
Today, Catholic churches celebrate St. Vincent de Paul’s feast day on the last Sunday in September.
Ann Stokman says
Love this story.