Vincent de Paul, St. A French philanthropist and ecclesiastic reformer. Born in Landes in 1576. Captured by Tunisian pirates in 1605, he remained for two years in slavery. After his escape, he repaired to Paris, where he became curate of Clichy, and preceptor to the celebrated Cardinal de Retz, and engaged himself in various works of benevolence and church improvement. He established a foundling hospital at Paris in 1638. Organized the congregation of the Missions, and instituted the order of Sisters of Charity. Died in 1660, and was canonized by Pope Clement XII in 1737.

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