St. Vincent De Paul, patron of SVS was born on 24. April, 1581 at Pouy near Dax in France as the third of the six children, to poor peasant parents, Jean De Paul and Bertrande De Moras.
As a young boy, he had a special compassion for poor and the suffering. Vincent studied humanities at Dax. in France and got graduated in theology at Toulouse. He was ordained as priest in 1600, and lived in Toulouse until he went to Marseille for a legacy.
In 1605, on his way back from Marseille, he was taken captive by Turkish pirates, who brought him to Tunis and sold him into slavery. After converting his owner to Christianity, he came to Rome. There he continued his studies until 1609, and was sent back to France on a mission to Henry IV of France, where he served as Chaplin and later as Parish Priest at Clichy.
From 1612 he served the Gondi, an illustrious family. He was a confessor and spiritual director to Madam de Gondi. and preached missions.In 1622 Vincent De Paul was appointed as chaplain to the galleys, and in this capacity he gave spiritual guidance for the galley-slaves.
In 1625 Vincent De Paul founded the Congregation of the Mission, a society of missionary priests commonly known as the Vincentians. In 1633, with the assistance of Louise de Marillac he founded the Daughters of Charity. Vincent initiated a number of activities for the poor and the down trodden. This flower of charity faded away into the history 350 years ago on September 27. Later he was canonized by Pope Clement XII th, on 16th June 1737. He was declared as the Universal Patron of all the Charitable Associations in the year, 1885. Vincent is known for his love for the poor and the charitable work he had undertaken for the downtrodden.
While celebrating 350th year of his death anniversary, let us cherish his selfless work which would take us to the realm of immortality in the minds of the people for centuries. May this year of jubilee inflame us with his zeal for the poor.
Happy Feast... Happy Feast... Happy Feast....