“Overcome your timidity and go out boldly into the slums and visit those unknown to you who have never come near your parish church.”
– Bl. Frederic Ozanam

– What is my attitude toward the homeless, the derelict, the abused or the AIDS sufferer? Lord, give me the courage and compassion to seek out the poor more directly.

“God wishes you to attend to your patients’ spiritual necessities as well as their physical needs.” (CCD X:538)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Sickness is a very vulnerable time in anyone’s life. Heavenly Father, keep me aware that you are at work in those who are suffering and how necessary it is to support the spiritual healing that may be taking place.

“God makes the interests of the afflicted his own.” (SW:668)
– St. Louise de Marillac

“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves.” Psalm 34:18

“Every ward of a hospital is a chapel wherein Jesus resides.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Whenever I visit a hospital, Lord, your presence is very near. May everything I say or do for the sick be done to comfort and console as you would have me do.

“To commit ourselves to Him for strength and refuge is the only relief from thoughts which would overpower the mind that did not resist them.” (CW 1:129)
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– Lord, teach me how to let go and trust you, so my faith can grow and my hope increase.

“Have foresight when tending your patients; anticipate their needs.” (CCD 13b:126, 198)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Whether or not my work directly involves the sick, I know, Lord, the only way to anticipate the needs of others is to put myself in their place. Help me to put the needs of others above my own.

“Our vocation places us in the midst of the poor to whom we give the best of ourselves.”
– Mother Chiron, D.C.

– Lord, help me to remember that only my best is good enough for those I will be serving today.

“We must never be surprised at the little misunderstandings which arise. The angels and the apostles disagreed and Our Lord permits it to happen in communities for a greater good. But it rests with us to avoid these regrettable circumstances and to become closely reconciled as soon as possible.” (CCD 3:462)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– When misunderstandings occur at home or at work, Lord, I will try to be the first to make amends.

“One thing is wanting – works of charity. The blessing of the poor is the blessing of God. Let us go to the poor.”
– Bl. Frederic Ozanam

– Heavenly Father, enliven my faith so I can see you in those who are suffering.

“The sick were brought to Our Lord to be cured, like that poor man with the palsy whom they let down through the roof. Is not this what you do in hospitals?” (CCD 9:467)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Sometimes in the routine activities of my day, I fail to see the value of what I do. Keep before me, Lord, the ‘big picture’ and realize the blessing it is to serve you in the sick and needy.