St. Vincent de Paul: Apostle of Charity Today the Church honors St. Vincent de Paul (1581–1660), one of the greatest witnesses of Christian charity. Born into poverty in France, he was ordained a priest at just 19 years old. At first, he pursued comfort and status, but an encounter with the poor and a deep conversion of heart led him to dedicate his life to serving Christ in the needy. St. Vincent founded the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) and, with the help of St. Louise de Marillac,