Our Patron Saint: St. Vincent Pallotti

St. Vincent Pallotti was an exceptional apostolic priest who worked in Rome in the last century. His ideal was to live for the infinite glory of God and to work untiringly for the salvation of souls. His singular idea that every Catholic should be an apostle has won for him the honour of being called the fore-runner of Catholic Action. His devotion to Mary Queen of Apostles and to Jesus, the Apostle of Eternal Father, are unique characteristics in his life.

When Vincent was a student at the School of San Pantaleone, he was a great favourite with his teachers because of this obedience and his industry, yet they could not deny the fact that at first, despite his application, he made little progress in his studies. “Vincent is a little saint”, they would say, “What a pity he should be so dumb!” The boy was not too worried about this, but his mother was... They had a long serious talk about it. Finally she said, “I think you ought to make a novena to the Holy Spirit to help you in your studies”. He did so, and the dullness of his mind vanished as by a miracle. His studies became easier for him. It was not long before he had taken first place in his class.

Success in his studies in no way impaired progress in the spiritual life, his charity to the poor was tender and generous. To help students with their studies he organized review and quiz classes for them in his father’s home. Daily were his devotions to the blessed Virgin for the sake of purity.