“Our happiness lies in the cross; even Our Lord did not will to enter his glory except through suffering.” (CCD 7:246)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, I’ll never fully understand the mystery of suffering. All I ask is that you keep giving me the grace to use it well as a means of growth in your spirit.

“This union of my soul with God is my wealth in poverty and joy in deepest affliction.” (CW 2:489)
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– O God, see my poverty and have pity on me. Enable me to share freely the gifts you have given and find true contentment even in the middle of pain and sorrow.

“There are very few for so much work! Our Lord will have to labor with you.” (CCD 1:71)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– When the volume of work overwhelms me and I am discouraged because of shortages of staff, remind me Lord, that it only takes a small piece of yeast to leaven dough and you never ask more of me than I can give. Be with me to carry the load, my ever present Lord!

“Continue to look after your sick and your little girls, in union with the care Our Lord took of the sick and little children— services which he strongly recommended to others. Life is short and great is the reward.” (CCD 5:220)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– In your lifetime, Lord, you showed your special love for the sick and children. Your example is my inspiration, as it was for St. Louise.

“I beg Our Lord that in his goodness he may animate you with his true Spirit.” (CCD 13b:295)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, your love is so great it extends beyond all boundaries of human understanding. Enkindle in me a great desire to spread your kingdom to all those with whom I come in contact today.

“What are our real trials? By what name shall we call them? One cuts out a cross of pride, another of causeless discontent, another one of restless impatience or peevish fretfulness. But is the whole any better than children’s play if looked at with the common eye of reason, much more the pure eye of faith.” (CW 3a:262)
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– When I compare my own crosses to those of others, Lord, mine appear so trivial against what I see others having to bear. Help me to see my crosses as opportunities for sharing in your passion and sufferings which paid the price of my redemption.

“Since God has entrusted to you the care of the family, he will impart to you the requisite qualities for the proper discharge of that duty. Let him act and do not be disturbed when things go against your wishes. Be particularly on your guard not to give pain to anyone but be a consolation to all.” (CCD 5:642)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, leadership requires a special set of virtues especially when care of souls is involved. If that function is required of me, I beg you to endow me with the qualities of a true servant, always ready to listen and support those under my care.

“How fortunate you are to have such a large number of sick to look after! Oh how obvious it is that God loves you since he gives you so many opportunities of serving him! Continue to do this for love of him, with all the necessary gentleness, care, and charity.” (SW:507)
– St. Louise de Marillac

– Lord, I am grateful for all the opportunities you give me to show your compassion and love to the sick and those entrusted to my care.

“Our Lord will be your consolation; this I ask of him for you with all my heart.” (CCD 1:574)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– How comforting it is to know that in all the times of my life, the good and the bad, you are here and your presence brings peace and healing to my spirit.

“To correspond to the grace of the moment means a wonderful union between you and God all day.”
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– It is hard to comprehend how much you are concerned with all the details of my life, Lord. I will consult you often in the course of my day.