St. Vincent Pallotti (1795-1850)

Born: 21 April 1795 in Rome

Parents: Peter Paul Pallotti and Mary Magdalene de Rossi

Ordained: 16 May 1818 for the Diocese of Rome

Founded: Union of the Catholic Apostolate (UAC)

Founded: Society of the Catholic Apostolate (SAC) on 4 April 1835 in Rome

Approved: 4 April 1835 by Cardinal Vicar Carlo Odescalchi

Approved: 11 July 1835 by Pope Gregory XVI

Founded Congregation of Sisters: 4 June 1838

Made his Consecration: 4 October 1846 before Fr. Francesco Vaccari

Died: 22 January 1850 in Rome

Declared Venerable: 24 January 1932 by Pope Pius XI

Beatified: 22 January 1950 by Pope Pius XII

Canonized: 20 January 1963 by Pope John XXIII

Motto of his life: "Love of Christ urges us on"

Patroness: "Mary Queen of Apostles"

Hailed As

"Apostle of Rome" by the Romans

"Second Philip Neri of Rome" by the Romans

"Second Francis of Assisi" by the Romans

"Sontorello" (a little saint) by the Romans

"Pioneer of Catholic Action" by Pope Pius XI

"Ornament of Roman Clergy" by Pope Pius XII

"Patron of the Missionary Union of the Clergy" by Pope John XXIII

The Society of the Catholic Apostolate (SAC), commonly known as the Pallottines, was founded by St. Vincent Pallotti in 1835 in Rome, Italy. Born in 1795, St. Vincent Pallotti was a diocesan priest with a profound vision that every baptized person is called to participate in the mission of the Church.

In an age marked by social, political, and religious upheaval, Pallotti sought to rekindle the faith of Christians and inspire them to become active apostles. To realize this vision, he established the Society of the Catholic Apostolate on 4 April 1835, bringing together priests, brothers, and lay faithful in a spirit of collaboration for the proclamation of the Gospel. He also founded the Union of the Catholic Apostolate (UAC), a worldwide communion of people committed to living and promoting the apostolic vocation of all the faithful.

The Pallottines dedicate themselves to a wide range of apostolic works, including parish ministry, missionary evangelization, education, formation, healthcare, social services, youth ministry, spiritual retreats, and the promotion of justice, peace, and charity. Our guiding motto reflects St. Vincent Pallotti's conviction: "The love of Christ urges us on" (2 Corinthians 5:14).

Today, the Society serves in over 50 countries across every continent, continuing St. Vincent Pallotti's mission of fostering communion and awakening the apostolic spirit in all people. Inspired by the example of our founder, we strive to proclaim Christ through a life of prayer, fraternity, and selfless service, encouraging every Christian to become an active witness to the Gospel.