“One can never have too great a supply of patience and mild persuasion.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, when I have failed to succeed in persuading anyone to another course of action, it was probably because of my impatient and aggressive manner. Create in me a gentle patience that respects the views of others and seeks to persuade in a non-threatening manner.

“New works, however holy, do not develop unless they have a promoter who follows them closely.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– O God, remove from me all fear of new beginnings. Give me the courage I need to undertake and see to completion good works done in your name.

“Human passions and weaknesses are never extinct, but they cannot triumph in a heart possessed by peace. She is lovely; make acquaintance with her. She will not be angry that you neglected her so long.”
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– When I feel discouraged because I seem to be guilty of the same old faults, help me to remember that my life is a journey and you love me in spite of my flaws.

“Our Lord has no use for our knowledge or our good works if He does not possess our heart; and even this heart He does not wish if we do not give it to Him when He asks.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, I offer you my heart today; take it and make it your own. When you ask sacrifices of me, give me the grace to be generous and whole-hearted in my response.

“The conversion of a soul is not a thing done once and for all – this conversion, our conversion must take place daily. Every day we must direct our soul anew towards God and make it pass from the demands of nature to the call of grace.”
– Mother Suzanne Guillemin, D.C.

– Let me live each day to its fullest, Lord. Only with you at my side can I reach my true potential.

“I am asking Our Lord that we may die to ourselves in order to rise with him. May he be the joy of your heart, the end and soul of your actions, and your glory in heaven.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– I must die to my selfish, sinful desires and attachments if I want to rise with you, Jesus. Help me to rid myself of all that keeps me from union with you, who are the real joy of my heart.

“It is from prayer that we must expect the light and strength that are indispensable for a veritable renewal; it is in prayer that we shall discover the particular points toward which we should direct our efforts.”
– Mother Suzanne Guillemin, D.C.

– Today, I resolve to find a few quiet moments to spend in your presence, Lord. There I hope to find the strength and courage I need to renew myself.

“Put yourself in the patient’s place and fancy how you would feel.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Putting myself in the place of the sick can only result in attention to what is most important to their comfort and care. Keep me conscious, Lord, of all those special needs, often not expressed but so much appreciated by those who suffer.

“By drawing closer to the poor, we draw closer to God. And we students must draw closer to God a little more every day, or we’ll find ourselves falling away from him.”
– Bl. Frederic Ozanam

– Lord, true peace and serenity come from serving you in others. May my love be strong enough to triumph over my weaknesses.

“Usually, God wills to save men [and women] through men [others]; Our Lord, himself, became man to save all.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, help me to care for others as you have cared for me. May no opportunity for an encouraging word or a listening ear pass me by today.