About
Also commonly known as Saint Vincent de Paul, was a French Catholic priest who was known for helping the poor. For his compassion, generosity, and humility, he was canonized in 1737 and is venerated in both the Catholic church and Anglican communion.
Before Fame
He worked herding livestock as a child on his family's meager farm. He was sent to seminary by his father when he was 15-years-old. He also attended college in Dax, France.
Trivia
There is a disputed story surrounding his capture and subsequent enslavement by Barbary pirates in 1605. The accounts claim he was enslaved for two years by different masters before returning to France. While he attended the University of Toulouse, there were fights that broke out between students which sometimes entailed armed battles. He helped finance his studies there by tutoring students.
Family Life
He had three brothers and two sisters and was the third birth.
Associated With
He and William Joseph Chaminade are both famous Catholic priests from France.
