Sharing knowledge and love
Saint Vincent Pallotti, who was born in Rome in 1795, was an ordained priest for the Diocese of Rome. Pallotti believed that the clergy, religious, and laity all had a responsibility to proclaim the Good News while acknowledging that each played a different role.
Diversity was a hallmark of his life and vocation. As a priest, he formed clubs and religious organizations; organized evening trade school classes; served as Spiritual Director of several Roman colleges; was pastor of Holy Spirit, the Neapolitan national church; and was a prolific writer and promoter of the apostolate of the press.
The Pallottine Order
On April 4, 1835, St. Vincent founded the Union of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines) and initiated, through subsequent years, the community of priests and brothers of the Catholic Apostolate and the community of the Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate. He entrusted them with the task of instructing, animating, guiding, and supporting the unity of the Union of the Catholic Apostolate.
A ministry of compassion
Pallotti believed that God possesses boundless love and infinite mercy. He stressed that God would never abandon the people He created in His own image, even when sin separated them from Him. Pallotti was overwhelmed by the generous love of God, and, in recognition of this boundless love, lived a life which manifested the greatness and holiness of God. Saint Paul’s saying “The Charity of Christ urges us on,” (2 Cor. 5:14) became a major motif in Saint Vincent Pallotti’s teachings and charism.
Pallotti died on January 22, 1850, at the center of his new Community, San Salvador in Onda, Rome. Pope Pius XII proclaimed him “Blessed” on January 22, 1950, and on January 20, 1963, Saint John XXIII formally proclaimed him “Saint Vincent Pallotti.”