Born John Durkin on May 12, 1909, he took his Passionist vows on August 15, 1929 in West Springfield, Massachusetts and received the name Vincent. His Novice-Master was Father Clement Lee, C.P. On May 30, 1936 he was ordained in Union City, New Jersey by Bishop Cuthbert O’Gara. C.P. in the unfinished basement of the monastery church that had recently been destroyed by fire.
Father Durkin was a qualified preacher. From 1943 to 1946 he served as an Army Chaplain. For four years he served as a Director of Students. Yet as he aged he was troubled by sickness. He died at Holy Family Monastery, West Hartford, Connecticut.