Vincent De Paul was born in the small southern French town of Pouy (later renamed St. Vincent De Paul in his honour) on 24th April 1581 and ordained as a priest in 1600 at the age of 19. As a young man he ministered to the wealthy and powerful. However an appointment as chaplain to a poor parish, and to galley prisoners, inspired him to a vocation of working with those most marginalised and powerless. Vincent urged his followers to bring God’s justice and love to people who were unable to live a full human life.
Vincent de Paul died in Paris on 27th September 1660 at the age of 79. He was canonised on 16th June 1737 and, in 1883, the church designated him as the special patron of all charitable associations. The society was named after Saint Vincent De Paul and follows his teachings and compassion for people in need. Saint Vincent de Paul is the international patron of the Society.