The document describes 5 faces of St. Vincent de Paul: 1) The Missionary, who preached the word of God; 2) Father of the Poor, who witnessed to help the poor; 3) Vincent the Formator, who created formation programs; 4) Vincent, Contemplative in Action, who emphasized contemplation and action; 5) Vincent, the Gentlest Man of his Time, who linked gentleness with compassion. Each face is inseparable from and builds upon the others in describing St. Vincent de Paul's character and spiritual approach.

1. Five Faces of
St.Vincent de
Paul

2. I - The
Missionary

3. 1. The word of God
was central for him
2. The cross is central
when he preaches and
catechizes

4. 3. Vincent,
continued
to give
missions,
even in his
later years

5. II -
Father of
the Poor

6. 1. This face of Vincent
is central to all of the
branches of the
Vincentian Family
2. Witness is often
much more important
than words, especially
today

7. 3. It is very important to note
that this second face of St.
Vincent is not completely
distinct from the first

8. III - Vincent
the
Formator

9. 1. “It is therefore essential
for you to be empty of
yourself in order to put on
Jesus Christ”
2. Vincent’s contribution to the
formation of the diocesan clergy
was so striking that he came to
be called “Light of the Clergy”

10. 3. Vincent was inventive in
creating new types of
formation programs
4. This third face of St. Vincent is
not completely distinct from the
first

11. IV - Vincent,
Contemplative in
Action

12. 1. The union of contemplation
and action is one of the most
important keys to Vincentian
spirituality
2. Vincent places very
strong emphasis on daily
mental prayer

13. 3. This face is
inseparable from the
first three

14. V – Vincent, the Gentlest
Man of his Time

15. 1. Genuine spirituality
transforms our
humanity
2. Vincent
consistently links
gentleness with
compassion

16. 3. This face is
inseparable from the first