Vincent de Paul Quotes

132 Sourced Quotes

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
He is greatly honored by the time we take to weigh with mature deliberation matters having to do with his service, as are all those with which we deal.

Vincent de Paul
I cannot think of the results of your labors without shame at the little we do.

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

Vincent de Paul
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
The wisest persons, surprised by some passion, often say things they later regret.

Vincent de Paul
I have made to God the offering you made to me of your heart and have asked him to unite mine with yours in that of Our Lord.

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

Vincent de Paul
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
In God's name, Monsieur, let us remain indifferent; let us strive to be equally attached to whatever obedience marks out for us, be it agreeable or disagreeable. By the grace of God, we belong to Him; what else should we desire except to please Him?

Vincent de Paul
(1) Be convinced that exactness in rising is one of the most important practices in the Company and that as the day begins so the rest of the day continues; (2) give yourselves sincerely to God on going to bed in the evening, asking Him for the strength to overcome yourselves in the morning and to obey His voice without delay.

Vincent de Paul
Experience teaches that what is feasible at the beginning is sometimes harmful as things go on, or subject to troublesome inconveniences

Vincent de Paul
If you think something should be done, take the trouble to write to me about it, and together we will decide the time and manner of doing it.

Vincent de Paul
Oh! how happy the man of means who uses his wealth and his life for the greater glory of God, from whom he has received them!

Vincent de Paul
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
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, Mademoiselle, and you will honor in a sovereign way the God of peace and love.

Vincent de Paul
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
We must endeavor to have God reign sovereignly in us, and then in others. The trouble with me is that I take more care to have Him reign in others than in myself.

Vincent de Paul
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
It will be easier for you to bring him around to where you want him more by gentleness and patience than by being too uncompromising.

Vincent de Paul
It is a ruse of the devil, by which he deceives good people, to induce them to do more than they are able, so that they end up not being able to do anything. The spirit of God urges one gently to do the good that can be done reasonably, so that it may be done perseveringly and for a long time.

Vincent de Paul
Our Lord is pleased to deprive us of temporal goods; may it please His Divine Goodness to give us spiritual ones!

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

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

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

Vincent de Paul
Do not be afraid of undertaking too much of what you can do without coming and going; but fear only the thought of doing more than you are doing and more than God is giving you the means to do.

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

Vincent de Paul
May God be pleased to make it known to you, and fill you increasingly with His Spirit, so that through you it may be poured into the souls you guide, and your own soul may be more greatly sanctified!

Vincent de Paul
So, do not dwell any longer on what you are, but consider Our Lord close by you and within you, ready to put His hand to the work as soon as you call upon Him for help, and you will see that all will go well.

Vincent de Paul
There is no act of charity that is not accompanied by justice or that permits us to do more than we reasonably can.

Vincent de Paul