Vincent De Paul Quotes

. . . [R]estlessness usually stems from pride and from being discontented with one's lot in life.

Nature makes trees put down deep roots before having them bear fruit, and even this is done gradually.

It is not easy to find perfect men in whom there is nothing to criticize.

Without [firmness] I see the majority of Communities that are lax reach that state because of the excessive leniency of Superiors. So, be firm, Monsieur.

God uproots the vine that He Himself has not planted.

[L]et us believe that all is going along the best in the world when we take no satisfaction in it, provided we humble ourselves for this and redouble our confidence in God.

[L]et us work to rid ourselves of our attacks of over-zealousness especially when it offends against respect, esteem, and charity.

. . . [A]s a rule, the most learned persons do not produce the greatest results. We see that only too often.

Remember the maxim of the Romans which states that by union and counsel we can achieve anything.

Far from rejecting such a good man as you, He never even abandons a wicked man who hopes for His mercy.

He also always blesses humble beginnings much more than those accompanied by a lot of show.

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

Make an effort to serve good bread and good meat and not to sell the better wine so as to serve what is inferior.

It is not light they need but strength, and strength permeates through the external balm of words and good example.

... I am sure that you are the first to do what you teach them.

The vine-stock bears fruit as long as it is attached to its stem; apart from that, no.

Remember, Monsieur, that Saint Augustine says that a person who does not obey the doctors is doing his best to kill himself.

The wisest persons, surprised by some passion, often say things they later regret.

. . . [T]hose persons who console you today may humiliate you tomorrow.

[I]t is His good pleasure that we remain always in the holy joy of His love.

Laws must never be made compatible with crimes, no more than lying should be in harmony with the truth.

Let us reflect that we shall always do God's Will and He will do ours when we carry out that of our Superiors.

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.

If you must be in a hurry, then let it be according to the old adage, and hasten slowly.

Our Lord and the saints accomplished more by suffering than by acting.

Our Lord is pleased to deprive us of temporal goods; may it please His Divine Goodness to give us spiritual ones!

Since I am a great sinner, I cannot reject those who have been, provided they have good will.

[A] sick mind cannot be cured by the sheer force of persuasion.

You should not open your mouth except to express gratitude for benefits you have received, and never to mention your discontent.

People are made in such a way that even the holiest ones are liable to offend one another.

If after so much effort and prayer, the matter is not successful, it will be a clear sign that God does not will it.

Good works are often spoiled by moving too quickly. . . . The good which God desires is accomplished almost by itself, without our even thinking of it.

Your soul will be blessed, Sister, if you bear patiently the troubles of mind and body His Providence sends you, or which come to you from within and without.

Never betray His principles for any reason whatsoever, and take great care not to spoil God's affairs by too much haste in them.

Remember, Monsieur that roses are not gathered except in the midst of thorns and that heroic acts of virtue are accomplished only in weakness.

I hope that this man can be won over by your bearing charitably with him, advising him prudently, and praying for him. This is what I do for your family in general and for you in particular.

The kingdom of God is peace in the Holy Spirit; He will reign in you if your heart is at peace. So, be at peace, Mademoiselle, and you will honor in a sovereign way the God of peace and love.

[I]f the gentleness of your spirit needs a dash of vinegar, borrow a little from Our Lord's spirit. O Mademoiselle, how well He knew how to find a bittersweet remark when it is needed!

In the name of God, Monsieur, let us have greater confidence in Him than we do; let us allow Him to steer our little bark; if it is useful and pleasing to Him, He will save it from shipwreck.

[E]xcess in the practice of virtue is no less imperfect than the lack of it.

Cast from your heart the bitterness.

[P]resent misfortune presupposes good luck in the future.

You say you experience great difficulty in the mission. Alas! Monsieur, there is no lot in life where there is nothing to be endured.

We must be firm but not rough in our guidance and avoid an insipid kind of meekness, which is ineffective.

In this way, through experience they will be formed adequately, will be encouraged, and will be capable of rendering service to God.

God has seen fit that, since our services are useful to many persons, everyone approves them, but only when they are carried out in the spirit of Our Lord.

I have never made any distinction between those who have taken vows and those who have not; some should not be overburdened in order to spare others.

His Divine Goodness asks that we never do good in any place to make ourselves look important but that we always consider Him directly, immediately, and without intermediary in all our actions.

May God be pleased to make it known to you, and fill you increasingly with His Spirit, so that through you it may be poured into the souls you guide, and your own soul may be more greatly sanctified!

I have never come away from you without reflecting that the Spirit of God and His holy workings reside in you.