1581-1660

French priest who established hospitals for the poor in Paris. In 1625, Vincent founded the Congregation of the Mission, an organization of priests dedicated to helping the poor, and he later established the Confraternities of Charity. These were associations composed primarily of women from noble families, who not only assisted Vincent in caring for destitute patients, but also financially supported him in setting up hospitals for foundlings and others. He cofounded the Daughters of Charity (or Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul), a similar organization for nuns, with St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660). Vincent was canonized in 1737.