"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...

"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...

"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."...

"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...

"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.

"The sufferings of Our Lord gave fecundity to His words, and your crosses will also give it to the holy seed you plant in hearts." (CCD 5:547) - St. Vincent de Paul. - Create in me, Lord, a compassionate heart, softened and not embittered by the sufferings of my life.

"I beg of you to show the poor great gentleness." (SW:303) - St. Louise de Marillac - True affection comes from respect for the whole person. Lord, grant that my service of the poor be rooted in reverence for the dignity of the human person, your special creation.

"The blessing of God rests more on humble beginnings than on those that are blazoned with glory." (CCD 2:315) - St. Vincent de Paul - Lord, keep me content with the routine of my life and the simple satisfactions it brings.

"Fervor is a fire that makes things boil and grow hot, just as fire causes water to boil. It is, properly speaking, charity on fire, and that is what you should have, because a Daughter without Charity is like a body without a soul." (CCD X:449) - St. Vincent de Paul...

"Truth does not depend on the people around us or the place we are in." (CW 1:371) - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - Even though I value truth, yet there are occasions when I fail to live up to my ideals. Forgive these shortcomings and inspire me to do better in the future.