St. Vincent d Paul was born on April 24, 1581 in France. He was ordained a priest, September 23, 1600 at Chateau – l’Eveque. He dedicated himself to serving the poor and for this purpose founded the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), January 25, 1617 (feast of the conversion of St. Paul).

To the Congregation he also entrusted the task of forming the clergy. St. Louise de Marillac provided the cooperation he needed in founding the Company of the Daughters of Charity.

He died September 27, 1660 in Paris. St. Vincent de Paul, appointed patron of all charitable societies by Pope Leo XIII was beatified August 13, 1729 and canonized June 16, 1737.