St Vincent de Paul cm (1581–1660) was an French Catholic priest who dedicated himself to serving the poor. A man of deep faith, intellect and enormous creativity, he has become known as the ‘The Apostle of Charity’ and ‘Father of the Poor’. He was renowned for his compassion, humility, and generosity and was canonised a saint in 1737. Vincent is the patron of all works of charity. His feast is on 27 September.
Image: Seventh-century portrait of Vincent by Simon François de Tours.