"There is no state in the world that has not its bitterness and crosses, and which therefore does not make us desire to embrace some other condition." - St. Vincent de Paul - Without the cross, there could be no resurrection. Lord, when I complain about my sufferings,...

"A fault may serve for our advancement when it serves to humble us." - St. Louise de Marillac - Lord, make me aware of the prejudice, jealousy and other faults to which I so often yield. I am humbled by your love for me in spite of these imperfections.

"Sickness is not an evil which we should fear, but a most efficacious means of sanctifying our souls. To murmur when God sends it is to complain of his having done us good." - St. Vincent de Paul - When I am ill, I will do my best not to complain. Lord, teach me how...

"The reward of sacrifice is peace." - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - Lord, every sacrifice has its price as well as its reward. Bless me with that peace of mind which comes from knowing nothing I do goes without your notice.

"The most glorious and desirable death is that which surprises us with arms in our hands for the service of the Lord." - St. Vincent de Paul - Lord, death will hold no fear for me if my days are spent serving You in whatever way Your will is revealed to me.

"Night follows day, sadness follows joy, and opposition public applause, in order that our souls may abide in God alone, who is above all change." - St. Louise de Marillac - Dear Lord, when I am surrounded by change and conflict, I look to you as my rock of safety. In...

"Humility is a virtue which Jesus Christ has exceedingly loved, and which He came to teach to the world. The most powerful weapon to conquer the devil is humility." - St. Vincent de Paul - Lord, you never deny a humble, contrite heart. Since humility is truth, teach...

"It would never do to have hearts and fortunes sink together." - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - To fail at something without losing heart takes a lot of courage. I will pray for the grace to keep on forging ahead in spite of the obstacles I may encounter.

"Reputation is but an empty bubble when it is not founded on truth, and when established on this basis, it has nothing to fear." - St. Vincent de Paul - Lord, it isn't easy to be totally honest and truthful in today's world. Help me to value integrity more than gain...

"Who are we to believe that we should be exempt from public calamities? Is it not reasonable that we should suffer with the rest?" - St. Louise de Marillac - O God, times of trouble are inevitable. How easy it is to forget that those times can be a source of growth if...