Vincent Pallotti

Saint Vincent Pallotti was born in Rome on April 21, 1795, to Pietro and Magdalena De Rossi Pallotti. As a young man he felt a clear call to the priesthood, and after diligent study he was ordained on May 16, 1818, later earning a doctorate in theology. Though offered an academic career, he chose the streets and parishes of Rome, serving tirelessly among the poor and working families. He organized practical schools and evening classes so laborers could grow in skill and dignity, and he became known for gentle zeal and creative courage in bringing souls back to God. In 1835 he founded the Union of the Catholic Apostolate and gathered priests and brothers into the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, placing the work under Mary, Queen of Apostles. His vision—that every baptized person is called to share in the Church’s mission—made him a forerunner of Catholic Action. During the cholera plague of 1837 he ministered to the suffering with fearless charity. He died in Rome on January 22, 1850, and is venerated as patron of Isera, Pombia, and Svetvinčenat. His feast day is January 22.