“From his earliest years, Rafael’s personality was marked by affability, serenity, and playfulness. He had a lively imagination and was full of joy. He was pleasant to be with, compassionate towards those having troubles, and mixed well with all around him regardless of their social standing; so he had many friends. In a word, Rafael loved people, and it was this, plus his intense piety, which enabled him to exercise a good influence on many, even while a young student. Later on, he put these qualities to practical use as a member of the Catholic Action and St. Vincent De Paul Society movements.” He was only 27 years of age when he died due to diabetes. Source: Runraw Abbey Blog

St. Gianna Beretta Molla was an Italian pediatrician born in Italy in 1922. As a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Gianna applied her faith in apostolic service to the elderly and needy. She received degrees in both medicine and surgery from the University of Pavia in 1949, and opened a medical office. She specialized in pediatrics and was especially drawn toward mothers, babies, the elderly and the poor. In 1961, Gianna became pregnant with her fourth child. Toward the end of her second month, she was struck with severe pain. Her doctors discovered she had developed a fibroma in her uterus, meaning she was carrying both a baby and a tumor. Gianna was quite clear about her wishes, expressing to her family, “If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate: choose the child! I insist on it. Save the baby.” On April 21, 1962, she successfully delivered by Caesarean section. The doctors tried many different treatments and procedures to ensure both lives would be saved. However, on April 28, 1962, a week after the baby was born, Gianna passed away from septic peritonitis. During Gianna’s canonization ceremony, Pope John Paul II described her as “a simple, but more than ever, significant messenger of divine love.” Source: catholic.org

Saint Riccardo Pampuri was an Italian medical doctor and a veteran of World War I. He worked as a field doctor on the battlefield during the Great War and was discharged in 1920 when he was able to resume his studies and soon begin his own practice as a doctor where he tended to the poor without charge. He founded the Band of Pius X which he dedicated to the medical care of poor people. One of his influences: as a college student he had belonged to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Source: Wikipedia