Priest (1795-1850)
His life
+ Vincent was born into a noble family in Rome. Ordained a priest in 1820, he later earned a doctorate in theology.
+ As a young priest, Vincent distinguished himself for his care of plague-victims and pastoral work. He organized schools for tradesmen, as well as evening classes for farmers and unskilled laborers. He was known as a second “Saint Philip Neri” in Rome.
+ In 1835, Vincent founded a new religious institute: The Union of Catholic Apostolate. He recognized that the work of the Church was truly universal: “common to all classes of people, consists in doing all that must and can do for the great glory of God and for one’s own salvation and that of one’s neighbor.”
+ That same year, Vincent formed the Society of the Catholic Apostolate—a community of priests and brothers—to support the work of the union.
+ In 1838, Vincent founded a sisters’ branch of the Society. Today there are “Pallottine” priests, brothers, and sisters serving in 45 countries.
+ Saint Vincent Pallotti died on January 22, 1850, and was canonized in 1963.
For prayer and reflection
“Faith cannot be spread throughout the world unless it is first reanimated among Catholics and their charity rekindled.”—Saint Vincent Pallotti
Prayer
We humbly ask you, almighty God,
that at the intercession of blessed Vincent
you may multiply your gifts among us
and order our days in peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Pastors)
Saint profiles prepared by Father Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...