We have our heroes to guide and inspire us on our journey…
Vincent de Paul lived during the 17th century in France. His funeral drew thousands in Paris and the preacher said that he “just about changed the face of the Church and France”.
Louise de Marillac, who died on March 15, 1660 just a few months before Vincent de Paul… a wife, mother, teacher, nurse, social worker, mentor, spiritual leader, and foundress who stands as a model to all women.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was born into an upper-class family in New York City in 1774. She began the first free Catholic schools in the country for needy girls in 1809, and went on to form the Sisters of Charity in the tradition of Louise de Marillac and Vincent de Paul– the first U.S. religious order.
Frederic Ozanam (April 23, 1813 – September 8, 1853) founded with fellow students the Conference of Charity, later known as the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. He has been revered since as an exemplar of the lay apostle, in family, social and intellectual life.