Vincent was raised in a peasant family in Poy, France. His job to support the family was tending to the sheep. He received his education by the Franciscans at Dax and at the age of 20 was ordained a priest. On one of his many travels, he was captured by Moslems and was sold as a slave in Tunis. We do not know how or why, but he was granted a release and returned home. Francis founded the Congregation of Priests of the Mission, also known as Lazarists or Vincentians. Together with Saint Louise de Marillac Le Gras, he founded the Sisters of Charity, devoted to the poor, sick, old, orphans and foundlings.

 The Catholic Encyclopedia