Novena to Saint Vincent de Paul for Charity and the Poor
Feast Day: September 27
Novena Dates: September 18–26
Who Was Saint Vincent de Paul?
Saint Vincent de Paul (1581–1660) was a French priest known as the “Apostle of Charity.” Born in Pouy, France, he grew up in a poor farming family but pursued an education with the hope of a better life. After being ordained a priest at a young age, his early ambition was to achieve a comfortable position. However, a powerful transformation occurred in his heart.
Moved by the suffering of the poor, sick, and enslaved, Vincent gave his life entirely to serving Christ in the most vulnerable. He founded the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) and the Daughters of Charity with Saint Louise de Marillac. These organizations became a new model for charity in the Church.
Saint Vincent’s influence extended to reforming the clergy, establishing seminaries, and encouraging the laity to take an active role in the works of mercy. Today, he is the patron saint of charitable organizations, and his legacy lives on in institutions like the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which serves millions of people around the world.
“Go to the poor: you will find God.” — Saint Vincent de Paul
Why Pray This Novena?
Pray this novena when:
- You seek to grow in love for the poor and forgotten
- You are involved in charitable ministry
- You desire to overcome selfishness and embrace humility
- You are praying for generosity and trust in Divine Providence
How to Pray the Novena
Start the novena on September 18 to end on Saint Vincent’s feast day (September 27), or any time you are seeking to grow in charity.
Each day, pray the following:
Daily Prayer to Saint Vincent de Paul
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Vincent de Paul, apostle of charity and servant of the poor,
you saw the face of Christ in every person you served.
Teach me to love as you loved,
to give without counting the cost,
and to seek not my own comfort but the needs of others.
Intercede for me today,
especially for (mention your intention).
Help me to grow in compassion, humility, and trust in God’s mercy.
May I serve with joy and perseverance,
as you did, until my last breath.
Saint Vincent de Paul, pray for us. Amen.
Closing Prayer (Optional for Each Day)
O God, who gave Saint Vincent de Paul a heart on fire with charity,
pour into our hearts the same Spirit of love,
that we may serve the poor and the suffering with humility and joy.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.