St. Vincent de Paul: Servant to the Poor and to the Queen
St. Vincent de Paul: Servant to the Poor and to the Queen
St. Vincent de Paul (1581 - 1660) is associated with his work with the poor. However, at one point in time, he was asked by Queen of France to serve her as her spiritual director. Recognizing that this might be the Lord's will, he accepted the position, and for the next ten years the apostle to the poor was the adviser to the wealthiest and most powerful woman in France.
Early Life and Seminary
Captured and Sold Into Slavery
A Parish Priest, Chaplain, and Serving the Poor
In Service to the Queen and Country
To replace Richelieu, the queen chose another cardinal, albeit, an Italian layman named Jules Mazarin. He was mostly loyal to the queen but nonetheless more politician than a trustworthy statesman. Mazarin saw Fr. Vincent as an obstacle and would mock the priest as often as he could. For his part, Fr. Vincent faithfully served Queen Anne.
Making a Difference for the Church in France
Fortunately, for Fr. Vincent, he only had to endure the life at court for about ten years. Although he had kept up his work for the poor throughout, he mercifully was able to return to it full time. However, during his tenure as a national figure and adviser to the queen, he had help bring out much good in the reform of the clergy. Fr. Vincent had also appealed to the queen's generous heart, and she had helped his charitable work for the poor. For her part, the queen had kept Fr. Vincent near to her because she knew his impact would be good for the goodness of all of France.
Feast Day (Memorial): September 27
Patron of Charities
Patron of Charitable Workers
Patron of Horses
Patron of Hospitals
Patron of Prisoners
Patron of Volunteers
Patron of the Diocese of Richmond, Virginia