Saint Vincent de Paul

July 19th is the Feast of Saint Vincent de Paul, in the Old Rite. Vincent was born of poor parents in Gascony, France around 1580. With an education from the Franciscan Fathers behind him, he paid for his theological studies through the tutoring of children, and was ordained in 1600. In 1605, while on voyage to Narbonne, Vincent de Paul was captured, enslaved and taken to Tunis in South Africa. Two years later, he escaped. He spent time as a chaplain to galley slaves in France, and in 1617 began preaching missions. This humble Saint dedicated his life to providing relief and ministry to the poor, convicts, abandoned children, and the elderly. He founded the Sisters of Charity and the Congregation of the Mission, and is the Patron Saint of Charitable Societies.

In Paris, France, St. Vincent de Paul’s bones are housed in a Chapel bearing his name, while his incorrupt heart lies nearby in the Chapel of the Daughters of Charity.

Saint Mary Magdalene

St. Mary Magdalene is the patron saint of converts and repentant sinners, and is the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2). She became a disciple of Christ and witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, alongside the Blessed Virgin Mary. While some theologians believe that Our Lady was the first to speak with her Son following His resurrection, the first person recorded in scripture is Mary Magdalene. She became the Apostle to the Apostles, and, Jesus’ choice of her being the first to meet Him after His crucifixion and death validates the intense love and devotion that she had for Him.

St. Mary Magdalene was a woman profoundly transformed from a life burdened by sin and evil (spirits), to that of being a devoted follower of Christ. Her Feast Day is July 22nd.