St. Vincent Pallotti

Rebroadcast of the long-running radio program, "The Ave Maria Hour," a presentation of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. www.AtonementFriars.org

St. Vincent Pallotti was born in Rome in 1795 and began studies for the priesthood very early in life. He was ordained at 23 years of age and earned a doctorate in theology soon afterward. He was given an assistant professorship at the Sapienza University but resigned it soon after to devote himself to pastoral work.

Pallotti organized schools for shoemakers, tailors, coachmen, carpenters, and gardeners so that they could better work at their trade, as well as evening classes for young farmers and unskilled workers. He gave away his books, his possessions, and even his clothes to the poor. In 1835, he founded his two congregations and was instrumental in the founding of a missionary order in England and several colleges for the training of missionaries.

St. Vincent Pallotti died in 1850 at the age of 55 and his body lies incorrupt in the church of San Salvatore in Rome. He was canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1963.His feast day is celebrated on January 22nd.