Saint Vincent de Paul is known for his sacrificial service to the poorest of the poor. Born into an impoverished French peasant family himself, Vincent was passionate about providing both relief and hope for the suffering.
In addition to his work with the poor, he also founded religious orders, established hospitals, ministered to convicts, and helped reform the clergy.
Vincent’s incorrupt heart can be found in France. His heart for the poor continues to beat, too. Today, nearly 4,000 Vincentian priests serve in eighty-six counties.
Looking for inspiration to grow in charity in your own daily life? Here are fifteen thoughts from the Apostle of Charity himself to encourage you.
1. “Fear not; calm will follow the storm, and perhaps soon.”
2. “Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.”
3. “Go to the poor: you will find God.”
4. “The kingdom of God is peace in the Holy Spirit; he will reign in you if your heart is at peace. So, be at peace . . . and you will honor in a sovereign way the God of peace and love.”
5. “Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times and under all circumstances.”
6. “If we are faithful to God, we will lack nothing.”
7. “If the world takes something from us on the one hand, God will give us something on the other.”
8. “I simply ask Our Lord to be the bond of your hearts.”
9. “I pray that God himself will be the strength of the weak and the virtue of the strong and the prayer of those who are unable to pray.”
10. “I no more trust in human means for divine ends that I do in the devil.”
11. “I must be afire with love for those with whom I live and with edifying others by the exercise of love.”
12. “A sure way for a Christian to grow rapidly in holiness is a conscientious effort to carry out God’s Will in all circumstances and at all times.”
13. “Charity is the cement which binds communities to God and persons to one another.”
14. “It is his good pleasure that we remain always in the holy joy of his love.”
15. “Let us do our duty well, let us go straight to God, let us work to become very humble, very patient, very mortified, and very charitable.”
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