St. Vincent de Paul
Apostle of Charity and Father of the Poor
“Let us love God, but let it be with the strength of our arms and the sweat of our brows.”
— St. Vincent de Paul
A Life Dedicated to God and Humanity
St. Vincent de Paul was a French Catholic priest whose extraordinary compassion, humility and dedication to the poor made him one of the greatest apostles of Christian charity.
He was born on 24 April 1581 in the village of Pouy in France. Coming from a humble farming family, Vincent understood the struggles and hardships of ordinary people from an early age. He was ordained a priest in 1600.
During the early years of his priesthood, Vincent underwent a profound spiritual transformation. He came to recognise the presence of Jesus Christ in the poor, the sick, the abandoned and the suffering. From then onward, he devoted his entire life to serving people in need.
Apostle of Charity
St. Vincent de Paul believed that genuine love for God must be expressed through practical service to others. For him, charity was not merely an emotion or a kind word—it was love translated into compassionate action.
He organised people to care for the sick, provide food and shelter to the poor, educate children, support abandoned infants, visit prisoners and bring dignity to those neglected by society.
Because of his lifelong service, he became widely known as the “Apostle of Charity” and the “Father of the Poor.”
Founder and Spiritual Leader
In 1625, St. Vincent de Paul founded the Congregation of the Mission, whose members are commonly known as the Vincentians. Their mission was to proclaim the Good News, especially among poor and neglected communities.
In 1633, together with St. Louise de Marillac, he founded the Daughters of Charity, a community of women dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor.
He also encouraged the formation of charitable associations through which laypeople could participate actively in serving society. His vision inspired a worldwide Vincentian family that continues to serve people through schools, hospitals, orphanages, missions and charitable organisations.
His Educational Vision
St. Vincent de Paul understood that education could transform individuals, families and communities. He believed that every person should be treated with dignity and given an opportunity to grow. His vision of education includes:
- Developing strong moral character
- Growing in faith and wisdom
- Respecting the dignity of every person
- Showing compassion towards the poor and vulnerable
- Using one’s abilities in the service of society
- Becoming responsible and courageous citizens
Vincentian Values We Cherish
Faith
To trust in God and live according to His teachings.
Compassion
To recognise the pain and needs of others and respond with kindness.
Service
To use our knowledge, time and talents for the good of society.
Humility
To remain simple, respectful and willing to learn.
Integrity
To be truthful and responsible in our thoughts, words and actions.
Excellence
To pursue excellence in academics, character and service.
Respect
To honour the dignity and uniqueness of every human being.
Our Commitment
Inspired by our patron, St. Vincent de Paul, we commit ourselves to creating a school community where:
- Every child is valued and respected
- Knowledge is joined with wisdom
- Discipline is guided by love
- Excellence is pursued with humility
- Faith is expressed through service
- Compassion becomes a way of life
May St. Vincent de Paul guide our students to become intellectually competent, morally upright, spiritually rooted and socially responsible individuals.
Prayer to St. Vincent de Paul
O glorious St. Vincent de Paul,
Apostle of charity and father of the poor,
teach us to recognise Jesus in every person.
Fill our hearts with compassion, humility and generosity.
Help us to use our knowledge and talents
in the service of those who are in need.
Guide our school, our teachers, our parents and our students
along the path of faith, wisdom and loving service.
May our lives reflect the love of God
through everything we think, say and do.
Amen.