Vincent de Paul famous quotes

The most powerful weapon to conquer the devil is humility. For, as he does not know at all how to employ it, neither does he know how to defend himself from it.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Powerful #Humility #Devil

Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times and under all circumstances.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Kindness #Practice #Light

We should spend as much time in thanking God for his benefits as we do in asking him for them.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Prayer #Thank God #Asking

Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Truth #Lying #Humility

We must love our neighbor as being made in the image of God and as an object of His love.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Love #Neighbor #Made

We should strive to keep our hearts open to the sufferings and wretchedness of other people, and pray continually that God may grant us that spirit of compassion which is truly the spirit of God.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Heart #Compassion #People

Charity is the cement which binds Communities to God and persons to one another . . .
-- Vincent de Paul

#Community #Charity #Cement

All comes at the proper time to him who knows how to wait.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Inspirational #Waiting

Far from rejecting such a good man as you, He never even abandons a wicked man who hopes for His mercy.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Men #Good Man

Let us allow God to act; He brings things to completion when we least expect it.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Completion

He also always blesses humble beginnings much more than those accompanied by a lot of show.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Humble #Bless

There are good, God-fearing persons who still fall into certain faults, and it is better to bear with them than to be hard on them.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Fall #Faults

Even convicts, with whom I have spent some time, are not won over in any other way. Whenever I happened to speak sharply to them, I spoiled everything; on the contrary, when I praised them for their resignation and sympathized with them in their sufferings; when I told them they were fortunate to have their purgatory in this world, when I kissed their chains, showed compassion for their distress, and expressed sorrow for their misfortune, it was then that they listened to me, gave glory to God, and opened themselves to salvation.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Compassion #Suffering #Sorrow

Nature makes trees put down deep roots before having them bear fruit, and even this is done gradually.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Roots #Tree

We should take as a maxim never to be surprised at current difficulties, no more than at a passing breeze, because with a little patience we shall see them disappear. Time changes everything.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Littles #Disappear

do not be surprised by your trials, since the Son of God has chosen them for our salvation.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Son #Trials

We must be full reservoirs in order to let our water spill out without becoming empty, and we must possess the spirit with which we want them to be animated, for no one can give what he does not have.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Order #Giving #Water

. . . [I]n the kingdom of charity, one prefers to suffer some inconvenience rather than inconvenience the neighbor.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Suffering #Charity #Kingdoms

And what are we doing if we are not doing God's Will?
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith

We cannot better assure our eternal happiness than by living and dying in the service of the poor, in the arms of Providence, and with genuine renouncement of ourselves in order to follow Jesus Christ.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Jesus #Order #Dying

With God's help, you will continue to succeed in your leadership and in your duties, because Our Lord's work is accomplished not so much by the multitude of workers as by the fidelity of the small number whom He calls.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Numbers #Succeed

[L]et us work to rid ourselves of our attacks of over-zealousness especially when it offends against respect, esteem, and charity.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Charity #Esteem #Values

[A] truly humble spirit humbles itself as much amid honors as amid insults, acting like the honeybee which makes its honey equally as well from the dew that falls on the wormwood as from that which falls on the rose.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Fall #Humble #Rose

[W]ork at ridding yourself of the esteem you have had up to now for the glitter and sparkle of virtue and the vain applause of the world, which Our Lord so assiduously avoided and so often recommends us to shun, and that you labor in earnest to acquire true and solid virtues.
-- Vincent de Paul

#World #Glitter #Sparkle

It is no wonder you are tempted; on the contrary, it would be something new if you were not, because man's life is nothing but temptation, and no one is exempt from it, especially those who have given themselves to God; his own Son even passed through this trial. But if it is necessary for everyone, it is also a source of merit for those to whom God grants the grace of turning all things to good, as you do.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Son #Men

I have never made any distinction between those who have taken vows and those who have not; some should not be overburdened in order to spare others.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Taken #Order

[L]et us believe that all is going along the best in the world when we take no satisfaction in it, provided we humble ourselves for this and redouble our confidence in God.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Believe #Humble

. . . [R]estlessness usually stems from pride and from being discontented with one's lot in life.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Pride #Stem

[T]hese losses of the Church in the past hundred years give us reason to fear in the present misfortune that in another hundred years we may lose the Church entirely in Europe. So, keeping this fear in mind, blessed are those who cooperate in extending the Church elsewhere.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Blessed #Loss

If you no longer have any income, you will not be neglected-you will not starve to death. . . . We panic at first, but God does not always allow the evil that is feared to happen.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Evil #Income

If we divested ourselves, once and for all, of all self-will, we would then be in a position of being sure of doing the Will of God, in which the angels find all their delight and men all their happiness.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Angel #Men

There is a vast difference between an Apostolic life and the solitude of the Carthusians. The latter is truly very holy but is not suited to those whom God has called to the former, which is in itself more excellent.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Differences #Solitude

Good works are often spoiled by moving too quickly. . . . The good which God desires is accomplished almost by itself, without our even thinking of it.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Moving #Thinking

You know, Monsieur, that, although the contemplative life is more perfect than the active life, it is not, however, more so than one which embraces at the same time contemplation and action, as does yours, by God's grace.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Perfect #Grace

Peace is worth far more than anything they might take from you.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Might

If after so much effort and prayer, the matter is not successful, it will be a clear sign that God does not will it.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Prayer #Successful

Let us be submissive to Providence, He will see to our affairs in His own time and in His own way
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Way #Submissive

. . . [Y]ou must understand that we have always considered the writing of books a hindrance to our work, and that for this reason the custom was not to be introduced into the Company. However, since no rule, however general, does not have some exception, we shall see whether it is advisable to have yours printed.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Book #Writing

Three can do more than ten when Our Lord puts His hand to things, and He always does so when He takes away the means of doing otherwise.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Mean #Hands

If you do not see any good in these persons, then say nothing, but if you do see some, speak about it to honor God in them because all good proceeds from Him.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Honor #Speak

The children of our Lord walk gladly in his ways; they have confidence in him, and so when they fall, they rise again; and if, instead of stopping to grumble about the stone they have tripped over, they humble themselves at their fall, this helps them to advance with great strides in his love.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Children #Fall

I would rather him to bear patiently with it than to put himself in danger of a greater evil.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Evil #Bears

Your soul will be blessed, Sister, if you bear patiently the troubles of mind and body His Providence sends you, or which come to you from within and without.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Blessed #Soul

God has seen fit that, since our services are useful to many persons, everyone approves them, but only when they are carried out in the spirit of Our Lord.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Spirit #Fit

In this way, through experience they will be formed adequately, will be encouraged, and will be capable of rendering service to God.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Way #Rendering

Be acted upon rather than active. In this way, God will do through you alone what all men put together could not do without Him.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Men #Together

To this end, we should help and support one another and strive for peace and union among ourselves. This is the wine that cheers and strengthens travelers along the narrow path of Jesus Christ.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Jesus #Cheer

Never betray His principles for any reason whatsoever, and take great care not to spoil God's affairs by too much haste in them.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Care #Too Much

Rarely is any good done without difficulty; the devil is too subtle and the world too corrupt not to attempt to nip such a good work in the bud
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Devil #Bud

In a word, we owe obedience to the bishops in all things pertaining to our work in the missions, with ordinands, etc., but the spiritual and internal direction belongs to the Superior General.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Spiritual #Etc

The angels would become incarnate if they could, so that they might come to earth to imitate the example and virtues of the Son of God!
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Angel #Son

In the name of God, Monsieur, let us have greater confidence in Him than we do; let us allow Him to steer our little bark; if it is useful and pleasing to Him, He will save it from shipwreck.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Names #Littles

If we want to find the manna hidden in our vocation, let us restrict and confine all our desires within it.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Desire #Want

. . . [T]hese [ideas] are only suggestions of the evil spirit who, to jeopardize your salvation, suggests to you extraordinary works that are beyond your strength, under the fine pretext of practicing, on your own, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy . . .
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Spiritual #Ideas

You know that you yourself are not always in the same state. If you are exact today, closely united to God, and a consolation to the whole house, tomorrow you will be out of sorts, indolent, and a source of affliction to others. Then you will need their support, as you have supported them.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Support #House

I thank God for having given the Company subjects who belong more to Him than to themselves, and who serve the neighbor at the risk of their lives! They are like unrefined gold, which becomes visible in fire and which would otherwise remain hidden under ordinary actions and sometimes under faults and failings.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Fire #Risk

Fear not; calm will follow the storm, and perhaps soon.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Storm #Calm

...a great good is worth being long desired.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Long

A doctor who keeps a person from becoming ill deserves more merit than one who cures him.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Doctors #Becoming

There is nothing good that does not meet with opposition, and it should not be valued any less because it encounters objections.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Encounters #Doe

Since you know the means of getting better, in the name of God, make use of them. Do not take on anything beyond your strength, do not be anxious, do not take things too much to heart, go gently, do not work too long or too hard.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Heart #Mean

People are made in such a way that even the holiest ones are liable to offend one another.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #People #Way

Nevertheless, when one is ill, one should be submissive to the doctor and obey him.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Doctors #Submissive

Far from being a bad thing to seek advice, you must, on the contrary, do so when the matter is of any importance, or when we cannot come to a clear decision on our own.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Decision #Advice

Use gentle methods to get whatever good you can from priests and monks who are slaves, as well as from merchants and captives. Resort to severe measures only in extreme cases, for fear lest the hardship they are already enduring in their state of captivity, joined to the strictness you might want to exercise in virtue of your authority, drive them to despair. . . . It is not light they need, but strength, and strength permeates through the external balm of words and good example.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Exercise #Light

. . . [A]s a rule, the most learned persons do not produce the greatest results. We see that only too often.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Results #Produce

Peace is never so complete that we may not have something to suffer. . . . Since it is impossible to please all of [those you serve], they offer you the occasion for practices which increase your merit in the measure that you make them meritorious by your patience.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Practice #Suffering

. . . [T]hose persons who console you today may humiliate you tomorrow.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Today #May

Man's condition is never the same; he is humbled, then exalted; sometimes at peace, sometimes persecuted; enlightened today and plunged into darkness tomorrow. What is to be done? As I said, let us be prepared for whatever may happen.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Men #Darkness

I have heard that M. Guesdon is dictating lessons to his seminarians. This is contrary to the custom of the Company and a somewhat ineffective way of teaching, since the students rely on their notes and do not exercise either their judgment or their memory, In this way, their minds remain empty while they pile up papers which they will perhaps never look at again.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Memories #Teaching

If you say that a good reputation serves to benefit the neighbor more, I admit that. However, since it should be based on a good life, it is, therefore, preserved by the practice of virtue and not by human intrigue.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Good Life #Practice

[A] sick mind cannot be cured by the sheer force of persuasion.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Sick #Mind

...cast from your heart the bitterness...
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Heart #Bitterness

It is not light they need but strength, and strength permeates through the external balm of words and good example.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Light #Needs

Divine Providence is never wanting in things undertaken at Its command. Even though the whole world should rise up and destroy us, nothing could happen but what is pleasing to God. The less there is of man in affairs, the more there is of God.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Men #World

We are still tossed about by the disturbances of this life, which is like a stormy sea, where those who are not attached to J[esus] C[hrist] and the duties of their state, as was our dear departed, are shipwrecked.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Sea #Departed

[E]ven if the whole world should rise up to destroy us, nothing will happen except that God, in whom we have put our hope, will allow.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #World #Should

[I]n order to raise a soul to the highest perfection, He allows it to pass through dryness, brambles, and combats, causing it thereby to honor the times of weariness in the life of His Son, Our Lord, who suffered various kinds of anguish and abandonment.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Son #Order

It is a good sign when He burdens us with [crosses] and we carry them well, but woe to the person who runs away from them, for he will find such heavy ones that they will overwhelm him.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Running #Woe

It will be most pleasing to O[ur] L[ord] if you husband your strength in order to serve Him better.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Husband #Order

I see that you are not sure of what you should do. You must remain steadfast, Monsieur. It would be a great wrong for you to leave and an irreparable scandal to the town and the Company. If you were to abandon the house, I do not think people would ever be willing to welcome us back. Fear not; calm will follow the storm, and perhaps soon.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Thinking #People

But the blessed Bishop of Geneva taught his nuns another kind of prayer, which even the sick can make: to remain peacefully in the presence of God, manifesting our needs to Him with no other mental effort, like a poor person who uncovers his sores and by this means is more effective in inciting passers-by to do him some good than if he wore himself out trying to convince them of his need.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Prayer #Blessed

So, we pray well when we remain in this way in the presence of God, with no exertion of the understanding or will. Therefore, you will do well to listen to God in the urge you feel to return to us.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Understanding #Way

Foresight is good when it is subject to the latter, but it becomes excessive when we are in a hurry to avoid something we fear. We rely more on our own efforts than on those of his Providence, and we think we are doing a great deal by anticipating His orders by our own disorder, which causes us to rely on human prudence rather than on his Word.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Thinking #Order

...Omit nothing which can advance his work, and not blame others for the delay.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Delay #Blame

...Seek counsel of very pious, disinterested persons, and follow the call of O[ur] L[ord] and the advice of those persons.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Advice #Persons

Laws must never be made compatible with crimes, no more than lying should be in harmony with the truth.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Lying #Law

It is not easy to find perfect men in whom there is nothing to criticize.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Men #Perfect

Remember, Monsieur, that Saint Augustine says that a person who does not obey the doctors is doing his best to kill himself.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Doctors #Saint

You say you experience great difficulty in the mission. Alas! Monsieur, there is no lot in life where there is nothing to be endured.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Missions #Difficulty

Naturally, everyone is disheartened by sharp reprimands, and by the most amiable corrections as well, if they are frequent, immoderate, or given inappropriately.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Wisdom #Given #Disheartened

Furthermore, the apostolic life does not exclude contemplation but encompasses it and profits by it to know better the eternal truths it must proclaim
-- Vincent de Paul

#Faith #Doe #Contemplation

It is true that zeal is the soul of the virtues, but most certainly, Monsieur, it must be according to knowledge, as Saint Paul says; that means: according to knowledge of experience. And because young people ordinarily do not possess this experiential knowledge, their zeal goes to excess, especially in those who have a natural asperity.
-- Vincent de Paul

#Mean #People #Soul