Quotes by St. Vincent de Paul

In order to become soundly virtuous, it is advisable to make good practical resolutions concerning particular acts of the virtues and to be faithful in carrying the out afterwards. Without doing that, one is often virtuous only in one’s imagination.

All of you desire to belong entirely to God, and God also wants all of you to belong to Him.

We must endeavor to have God reign sovereignly in us, and then in others. The trouble with me is that I take more care to have Him reign in others than in myself.

Experience has shown us that virtue puts down only shallow roots in those who are there for just a short time.

That’s what our Rules engage us to do, to help poor persons, our lords and masters.

In a word, we owe obedience to the bishops in all things pertaining to our work in the missions, with ordinands, etc., but the spiritual and internal direction belongs to the Superior General.

If you think something should be done, take the trouble to write to me about it, and together we will decide the time and manner of doing it.

If we want to find the manna hidden in our vocation, let us restrict and confine all our desires within it.

To this end, we should help and support one another and strive for peace and union among ourselves. This is the wine that cheers and strengthens travelers along the narrow path of Jesus Christ.

Let us be submissive to Providence, He will see to our affairs in His own time and in His own way.