Born in France, St. Vincent de Paul was a priest known for his compassion, humility and generosity. At the age of 24, he was kidnapped by pirates and spent two years in slavery. Upon returning home, Vincent worked passionately among the poor. Under Vincent’s leadership, many people responded to the intensifying poverty of 17th-century France and remarkable organizations bearing his name still exist to this day. Vincent de Paul is the patron saint of charities and volunteers.