Vincent de Paul

I read three biographies during my retreat this past summer.  They were the lives of saints that I thought would help prepare me for the role I was taking on here in Elizabeth.  One was on St. Anthony of Padua (of course),  the other was St. John Vianny and the last was St. Vincent de Paul, who's feast we celebrate today.

That St. Vincent had an eventful life, there is no doubt; it's the stuff adventure stories are made of. But what fascinated me the most was that if you really think of about, his motives for becoming a priest were less than noble. I'm not saying he wasn't sincere as a young man, but he was just as concerned with the social status and economic security that came along with becoming a priest in the 17th century as with any desire to save souls.  In fact he spent years in and out of court to settle a claim he had on an inheritance that was owed him.  He was not a great sinner, to be sure.  But with all the connections he had made, and lucrative positions he had secured he could have settled for a quiet, comfortable life. 

St. Vincent's conversion didn't happen in a flash, but over time he came to see the needs around him.  He came to understand that the life of a disciple is one of service to others.  Instead continuing in a comfortable life he allowed God's grace to change him, and he became a tireless worker for the poor.  He used those connections, not for his own benefit, but for the good of others.  In addition he dedicated himself to the formation of the clergy, which what notoriously bad at that time.  He also became the father of several religious families, including Mother Seton's Sisters of Charity.

So, yes, St. Vincent could have lived the quiet comfortable life, but then no one would remember his name.