Saint Vincent de Paul († 1660) was a French Roman Catholic priest who dedicated himself to serving the poor. He is a Holy Patron of charities; horses; hospitals; leprosy; lost articles; Madagascar; prisoners; Richmond, Virginia; spiritual help; Saint Vincent de Paul Societies; Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory; Vincentian Service Corps; and volunteers. The Society of St Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833 to sanctify its members through personal service to the poor. His feast day is commemorated on 27 September.