Walking With the Poor: St. Vincent de Paul, Pilgrim of Hope

Bangalore, 27 Sept. 2025: “Go to the poor: you will find God.” These words of St. Vincent de Paul capture the essence of his life and mission as a priest, reformer, and founder whose legacy continues to inspire the Church’s service to the poor. As the Jubilee Year 2025 invites Catholics to become “Pilgrims of Hope,” his journey stands as a powerful testimony that trust in Christ and charity toward the marginalized can bring light to those who suffer.

Born in 1581 in Pouy, France, to peasant farmers, Vincent de Paul experienced poverty firsthand, shaping his empathy for the marginalized. Captured by pirates and enslaved for two years, his hardships deepened his compassion for captives and forgotten people. Though he was ordained in 1600 with hopes of a comfortable ecclesiastical career, encounters with the poor transformed his vision. His pivotal conversion came after hearing the confession of a dying peasant, leading him to dedicate his life to both spiritual and material renewal in rural France.

Vincent’s faith was rooted in Christ, especially in recognising Jesus in the poor and afflicted. His prayer life centred on the Eucharist, sustaining his mission of practical charity. He often reminded his companions, “Let us love God, but let it be with the strength of our arms and the sweat of our brow.”

His contribution to humanity was immense. Vincent organised the Confraternities of Charity, founded the Daughters of Charity, and pioneered sustainable relief efforts for orphans, prisoners, and the sick. He also ransomed slaves, provided war relief, and established hospitals. His influence continues today through the global Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which transforms lives regardless of creed.

The Church venerates Vincent as the patron of charitable organisations, upholding his teaching that “charity is infinitely inventive.” His reforms in priestly formation also revitalised pastoral service, laying foundations for Catholic social teaching that would later inspire encyclicals such as Rerum Novarum.

For today’s Church, Vincent’s example affirms that hope is born from solidarity with the poor. His life urges modern “Pilgrims of Hope” to combine prayer with action, addressing both immediate needs and systemic injustices. The International Vincentian Family, with more than 150 branches worldwide, continues this mission through initiatives for systemic change and advocacy for the homeless.

Through poverty and hardship, Vincent de Paul lived a faith that redefined charity not just as action, but as an attitude of seeing Christ in the lowliest. His legacy invites the faithful to walk with the poor and to dare to hope through works of love.

By Fr. Valerian Lobo

Jamshedpur Diocese