Vincent Pallotti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintVincent Pallotti |
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| Priest | |
| Born | 21 April 1795 Rome, Papal States |
| Died | 22 January 1850 (aged 54) Rome, Papal States |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 22 January 1950, Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City by Pope Pius XII |
| Canonized | 20 January 1963, Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City by Pope John XXIII |
| Feast | 22 January |
| Attributes | Priest's cassock |
| Patronage | Pallottines |
Vincent Pallotti (born April 21, 1795 – died January 22, 1850) was an Italian priest who became a saint. He was born in Rome, Italy. He started a group called the Society of the Catholic Apostolate. This group is also known as the Pallottines.
The original name of the group was brought back in 1947. Saint Vincent Pallotti is buried in the church of San Salvatore in Onda. Many people see him as an early leader of Catholic Action. We celebrate his feast day on January 22. He was also the uncle of Cardinal Luigi Pallotti.
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Who Was Vincent Pallotti?
Vincent Pallotti was born in Rome on April 21, 1795. His parents were Pietro and Magdalena De Rossi Pallotti. His family came from important noble families. He went to school at the Pious Schools of San Pantaleone. Then he studied at the Roman College.
When he was sixteen, Vincent decided to become a priest. He became a priest on May 16, 1818. Soon after, he earned a special degree in theology. People said Pallotti was small. He had big blue eyes and a very strong gaze.
How He Helped Others
Vincent Pallotti became a professor at the Sapienza University. But he soon left that job. He wanted to spend his time helping people. He worked hard to care for the poor in Rome. He did this for most of his life.
He started schools to teach skills like shoemaking and carpentry. These schools helped people get better jobs. He also had evening classes for young farmers. He became known as a "second Saint Philip Neri" because he helped so many. Once, he even dressed as an old woman. He did this to help a man who was very angry.
Starting the Union of the Catholic Apostolate
On January 9, 1835, Pallotti started the Union of the Catholic Apostolate. He believed that everyone could help spread God's message. He said this group was for "all classes of people." Its goal was to do good things for God and for others.
On July 11, 1835, Pope Gregory XVI approved his new group. The Society was placed under the care of Mary, Queen of Apostles. In 1837, a serious sickness called cholera spread. Pallotti bravely helped those who were sick.
Challenges and Approval
In 1838, the Society was almost closed down. Some thought it was too much like another group. But Pallotti asked the Pope to change his mind. The Pope agreed, and the order to close the group was stopped.
On October 28, 2003, the Union of Catholic Apostolate was officially recognized. It became an International Public Association of the Faithful. This means it is a worldwide group for people who believe in God.
The Society of the Catholic Apostolate
In 1835, Pallotti brought together priests and brothers. He formed them into a community. He called it the "Society of the Catholic Apostolate." After Pallotti died in 1850, the group faced problems again.
For a while, the group's name was changed to "The Pious Society of Missions." But in 1947, the original name was given back. Pallotti deeply loved the Holy Trinity and the Virgin Mary. People, including the Pope, thought he was a saint even when he was alive.
Vincent Pallotti passed away in Rome on January 22, 1850.
Becoming a Saint
Pope Pius XII declared him "blessed" on January 22, 1950. He was made a full saint by Pope John XXIII in 1963. On April 6, 1963, he was named a special patron. He became the main patron of the Pontifical Missionary Union of Clergy.
When Pallotti's body was checked in 1906 and 1950, it was found to be incorrupt. This means his body had not decayed. In the Roman Catholic Church, this is sometimes seen as a sign of holiness. His body is now in the church of San Salvatore in Onda in Rome. You can visit it there.
His Lasting Impact
Pallotti is seen as an important figure for Vatican II. This was a big meeting of the Catholic Church. He worked to bring people together. He invited people from his community to worship in churches of Eastern Catholic traditions.
The Pallottine Family Today
His followers are called the Pallottines. They continue his work around the world. Their motto is, "The love of Christ impels us." This means Christ's love pushes them to act. They work as missionaries to "renew faith and rekindle love."
They want to continue what their founder started in today's world. The Pallottines have important centers in many countries. These include Britain, Germany, Poland, India, and the United States.
The Congregation of the Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate are also called Pallottine Sisters. They are a global community. Vincent Pallotti started their first house in Rome in 1838. It was a home for young girls. These girls had been left on the streets and had to beg for food. The home helped them get an education. This work is still going on today.
Another group, the Missionary Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate, started in Germany. They helped with missionary work in Africa.
Christmas Tradition
During the Christmas season, a special nativity scene is displayed at the Vatican. It is in the basilica's square, next to the Christmas tree. Vincent Pallotti made this nativity scene himself. He also encouraged celebrating the Octave of the Epiphany. This was a way to show unity with Orthodox Christians. At that time, they celebrated Christmas on January 6.
See also
- Pallottines
- St Peter's Italian Church
- St. Vincent Pallotti High School
