VIII. Virtues of St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul is often held up as an exemplar of Christian virtue. When the Church eventually investigated his life for canonization, it highlighted the “heroic degree” to which he practiced the theological virtues (faith, hope, charity) and the cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude). But in more accessible terms, certain virtues particularly radiated from Vincent’s personality and actions:

1. Charity (Love): Above all, Vincent de Paul was known for his extraordinary charity. This was not merely a sentimental love, but an active, concrete love that manifested in feeding the hungry, nursing the sick, comforting the prisoner, and lifting up the poor. Vincent’s love was universal – he made no distinctions in whom he served. To him, a beggar covered in sores or a criminal in chains was as much his neighbor (to be loved and served) as any nobleman or friend. He showed a tender-hearted compassion, often moved to tears by the suffering of others. Yet his charity was also wise and organized; he wanted not just to give handouts, but to truly help people out of misery and restore their dignity. It is not enough to give them bread and broth, he would said, we must convey our love to them. He taught that true charity means making the needs of the neighbor our own. Perhaps one of the strongest evidences of Vincent’s charity is how contagious it was – he enkindled the flame of charity in countless others, from the ladies of high society to simple village girls, inspiring them to join in his works. This multiplying effect of his love shows how genuine and deep it ran.
   Vincent’s charity had a remarkable breadth. He responded to all kinds of misery – whether it was spiritual abandonment (as in Folleville) or physical hunger, or illness, or ignorance. He famously said that true charity invents new ways to help when old ways aren’t enough. Thus, if there were orphans dying on the streets, he invented the foundling home; if war made refugees, he organized relief convoys; if prisoners were languishing, he created hospitals for them. In this, he was not just personally compassionate but also a trailblazer in social ministry, prefiguring many modern charitable practices.
   Importantly, Vincent’s charity did not demean those he helped; he respected their dignity. He urged his followers to treat the poor “as your masters” – an astonishing directive in an age of strict class hierarchy. This humility within his charity gave it a Christ-like character. His love was hands-on: he embraced filthy, diseased beggars without recoil, seeing beyond the dirt to the suffering person loved by God.
2. Humility: Those who knew Vincent unanimously testified to his profound humility. Despite the great accomplishments and the reverence people gave him, Vincent always saw himself as a poor sinner and merely God’s instrument. He attributed any good he did to God’s grace, not to his own ability. He was uncomfortable with praise. For instance, when someone would commend him for some charitable project, Vincent might respond with a smile, I am only the little instrument of a big work. He deliberately cultivated modesty: he continued to dress in a simple cassock and old cloak, even when wealthy benefactors offered him finer clothes. He preferred plain speech over flowery rhetoric, calling himself an unlearned man (though in truth he was well-educated) so as to relate to everyone simply.
   There’s a touching story that once some visitors came to Saint-Lazare wanting to see the famous Monsieur Vincent; he answered the door looking so ordinary that they mistook him for a servant and asked if they could meet Vincent de Paul. Instead of indignantly correcting them, Vincent politely led them on a brief tour, chatted kindly, and only later did someone inform them that the “servant” was Vincent himself. He had a way of deflecting credit: if praised for organizing a relief effort, he would mention the generosity of donors or the efforts of his colleagues rather than himself. Vincent’s humility was not a show; it was rooted in a deep awareness of God’s greatness and his own limitations. This humility allowed him to collaborate with all, to apologize when he erred, and to take on lowly tasks without shame.
   Even as he advised nobles and was esteemed at court, Vincent insisted on being called “M. Vincent” (Monsieur Vincent) or “Père Vincent” (Father Vincent) – simple titles – and not more exalted ones. When Pope Urban VIII wanted to make him a bishop in the 1630s, Vincent pleaded to decline the honor, convinced he was not worthy and that he was more useful in his current role.
3. Simplicity: Closely tied to humility was Vincent’s virtue of simplicity. He valued straightforwardness and sincerity, both in speech and lifestyle. He taught the members of his communities to avoid duplicity or affectation. Vincent’s own communication style was clear and unaffected, whether he was speaking to peasants or princes. In a time when religious figures often indulged in elaborate theological language, Vincent made the truths of faith simple and concrete, which was key to his success in teaching the common folk.
   He also practiced transparency in his dealings; for example, in managing the considerable funds that passed through his hands for charity, he kept scrupulous accounts and was plain in explaining how resources were used, ensuring trust. Vincent believed that God is simple (in the sense of pure and true) and that approaching God required a heart free of guile. He famously declared that simplicity was his favorite virtue because it is the virtue I love most and to which, it seems to me, I pay the most homage. By simplicity, he meant speaking the truth plainly and having purity of intention (seeking only to please God).
   Vincent’s simplicity also meant a kind of single-heartedness. He did not over-complicate things; he saw the Gospel in clear terms: love God, love the poor, do God’s will. And he stuck to those essentials without being distracted by personal ambition or needless controversies. This focus gave him a certain calmness and clarity in decisions that others admired.
4. Meekness and Gentleness: Although naturally Vincent had a fiery Gascon temperament, he underwent a remarkable transformation and became known for his gentle, amiable disposition. Contemporary accounts describe him as kind, fatherly, and calm. He rarely, if ever, raised his voice in anger. Even when correcting someone or in tense meetings (like on the Queen’s council), he remained courteous and mild. His gentleness made him approachable; people felt at ease in his presence, from street urchins to nobles. He believed one could accomplish more good through mildness than severity. This does not mean Vincent was a pushover – he could be firm when necessary – but he always tried to temper firmness with compassion.
   His gentle spirit especially shone in how tender he was with the suffering: eyewitnesses noted how he would often physically embrace or hold sick orphans and beggars, offering not just practical help but the warmth of human affection. Many remarked on the serenity he maintained even under provocation. One incident: a priest in Paris who was sympathetic to Jansenism publicly insulted and attacked Vincent in a meeting; Vincent listened without responding in kind, and when he did reply, it was with such measured kindness that it put the aggressor to shame and ended the argument. This kind of response diffused many conflicts and won over opponents.
5. Zeal (Apostolic Fervor): Vincent de Paul had an untiring zeal for the salvation of souls and the glory of God. In his middle age and senior years, despite fragile health, he worked tirelessly – one might even say he burned himself out for Christ. He traveled whenever required, corresponded with officials to advocate for the poor, preached and taught, and kept expanding existing ministries or starting new ones if a need arose. He often spoke of the fire of charity that should ignite priests and sisters to serve God fully. His zeal was contagious: many who met him felt inspired to volunteer or to change their own lives.
   Yet Vincent was careful that zeal be guided by prudence and not run ahead of Providence. Still, his life exemplified that of the tireless laborer in the Lord’s vineyard, determined to leave no stone unturned if it meant more souls comforted and saved. The poor and the abandoned could claim few more fervent champions in history than Vincent de Paul. In the missions he organized, he poured himself out – often preaching multiple times a day, hearing confessions for hours into the night, then rising early to pray and begin again. Those who accompanied him marveled at his stamina and dedication.
6. Prudence and Wisdom: Though perhaps less celebrated, Vincent’s practical wisdom was a key virtue that enabled his success. He had keen insight into people – he could discern their abilities and character well, which is why he was able to pick excellent leaders like Louise de Marillac or organize large groups effectively. His decisions were usually sound; he planned carefully, managed resources frugally but confidently, and negotiated diplomatically with both Church and state authorities. His prudence showed in how he scaled up charities in sustainable ways (setting rules, training personnel, seeking support systematically). In crises, he was level-headed.
   For example, during the peak of the Fronde civil unrest, when mobs in Paris were agitating, Vincent did not take rash political stances; instead, he quietly expanded relief to those suffering from the conflict and used discreet channels to advocate peace. His handling of internal community issues was also prudent: he did not tolerate serious wrongdoing among his priests or sisters, but he corrected with patience and often prevented bigger problems by addressing small issues early. He was prudent in finance – though huge sums passed through his hands, he kept living very simply and used funds efficiently for the poor.

The combination of these virtues made Vincent a balanced, radiant Christian. Perhaps the secret underlying them all was his profound faith and trust in Providence, which kept him from falling to pride when praised or to despair when times were tough. His humility made him flexible – he didn’t insist on his own way, he truly sought God’s way. And his trust meant he could attempt great things without fear, because he knew God was in charge.

One hallmark that struck contemporaries was that Vincent’s virtues were integrated. His humility fueled his charity (because he saw everyone as above himself), his charity fueled his zeal (because he loved people and wanted their good), his zeal was tempered by gentleness and prudence (so it was effective, not reckless), and his simplicity gave all his actions a clear, credible witness.

Many who testified in Vincent’s beatification process mentioned his serenity and joy. Despite carrying enormous burdens and seeing heart-wrenching suffering daily, he remained even-tempered and even cheerful. He had a wry sense of humor. For example, when an overzealous person suggested the Daughters of Charity take a fourth vow to care for the insane, Vincent quipped, I think they have enough to do taking care of the insane without adding a vow for it! – a gentle joke reflecting he didn’t burden people unnecessarily. He often encouraged his helpers to be joyful, telling them gloominess helps no one and that a kind word and smile could lift a poor person’s heart as much as bread.

St. Vincent’s virtues were those of the Gospel in action. He loved God with his whole heart, and it showed in his effective love of neighbor. He was humble, seeing himself truthfully as a servant, which made him open to God’s strength. He was simple, focusing on the heart of the faith without ego or complication, which made his message accessible. He was gentle and patient, which won over hardened hearts. He mortified himself, which gave him self-mastery to persevere. And he was zealous, which enabled him to accomplish an astounding amount in one lifetime. It is no wonder that even during his life, people sensed they were in the presence of a saint, and after his death, the Church found that his virtues shone at a heroic level.

(To be continued…)