For St. Vincent de Paul (b.1580), becoming a priest meant escaping his family's poverty into a life of clerical ease. His first ten years as a priest (o.1600) were spent basking in his new-found comfort and privilege. Then a great change came over him and he eventually dedicated
the rest of his life to the service of the poor. He organized groups of lay people for charitable work, and a society of priests who would train the clergy as well as do missionary
work in rural areas. Today St Vincent de Paul (d.1660)
is synonymous with Catholic charity throughout the world.
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