Vincent de Paul was a French priest known for his compassion, humility, and generosity. At 24, he was kidnapped by pirates and spent two years as a slave in Africa before escaping. Back in France, Vincent led people to respond practically to the intensifying poverty of the 17th century. The Vincentian family includes both lay and religious men and women who serve the poor all over the world.Feast Day: September 27Patronage: Charities, The Poor, Volunteers