St. Vincent Pallotti

About St. Vincent Pallotti

Feast Day  - January 22
Born  - 1795 in Rome, Italy
Died  - 1850 from a severe cold; probably 
             caught the illness on a cold rainy 
             night when he gave his cloak to a
             beggar. 
Canonized  - 1963 by Pope John XXIII

From the time of his childhood, Vincent offered his resources and his life to the service of people who are poor. He was a well-known priest because many people sensed that God worked extraordinary graces through him. In his lifetime, he founded the Union of Catholic Apostolate. At that time, the laity was not actively involved in the ministry of the church. Vincent wanted to inspire people of all walks of life to work constantly for God's kingdom. Truly radical for his time, Saint Vincent was known for approaching the "faithful of every class, rank, and condition" to minister to "those who are most spiritually needy." He sought people to treat those in need "with care and with a loving and tender concern." He called the members of the Union of Catholic Apostolate, laity, sisters, priests, and brothers, to charity, patience, humility, zeal, and love of God and of Jesus Christ. Today, Vincent’s legacy continues to inspire people worldwide.

Saint Vincent Pallotti was canonized by Blessed Pope John XXIII.  The Pope described Vincent as: “the loving saint who displayed such remarkable love is one of the outstanding figures in the field of apostolic activity of the nineteenth century.   He designed new ways to lead people to recognize and love God in their lives.   His undertakings, especially the Union of Catholic Apostolate, are extraordinarily rich in religious experience and instruction.” 

Prayer in Honor of Saint Vincent Pallotti
Saint Vincent Pallotti, you were molded by God, the infinite love. You answered God's call to serve Him. You were there for those seeking counsel, for the sick, for the youth and the aging, for the rich and the poor, for people of any profession and walk of life. All were important to you. You wanted to inspire each and every one for the Kingdom of God, reminding people of their duty to be apostles and preparing them for this work.

Now I call upon you to intercede for me. Help me to pray. Help me to pray only for what I truly need, what I can truly use, what is for my salvation and the honor of God. You received many graces and gifts from God. You always thanked God beforehand, as if your prayer had already been answered.

Saint Vincent Pallotti, I ask you to submit my petitions to God. Be my helper as I place this prayer before God the Father, through Jesus Christ. Do not leave me without your help. Bless me. Show me the way to Christ. Through the Spirit, lead me to the Father. Amen.