Vincent Pallotti was a priest of Rome who, convinced that every believer is called to the apostolate, founded the Union of Catholic Apostolate.
Life
Vincent Pallotti was born in Rome in 1795 and ordained a priest in 1818. He taught at a university for a time, but above all he devoted himself to hearing confessions and spiritual direction, and to caring for the poor, the sick, workers and young people.
In 1835 he began the Union of Catholic Apostolate. His conviction that not only priests and religious but all lay people are called to be apostles of Christ was new for his time, and it is seen as anticipating the lay apostolate later emphasized by the Second Vatican Council. His community is known today as the Pallottines.
He died in Rome in 1850 and was canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1963.
Spirituality
Saint Vincent’s spirituality is an apostolate open to everyone. He contemplated deeply the infinite love of God and believed that, in response to that love, anyone can spread faith and charity right where they are. Mary, Queen of Apostles, was his model of the apostolic life.
Reflection
Saint Vincent believed that every single lay person is an apostle of Christ. At home, at work and in my parish, how can I share the joy of the Gospel?