From centuries ago, the words of our founders still resound, full of wisdom and insight, especially in this time of global pandemic. Our holy ones, Saints Elizabeth Ann Seton, Louise de Marillac, and Vincent de Paul, lived deep within the mystery of Christ’s dying and rising. In it they found the power to give their whole selves in love for those most in need, just as Christ did.

Charity Wisdom from Our Saints

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

“We are never strong enough to bear our cross, it is the cross which carries us, nor so weak as to be unable to bear it since the weakest become strong by its virtue.”

“I live in Hope — you know, and if in this world all is blasted still we will hope and hope to the last.

“Confiding hope and consoling peace has attended my way through storms and dangers that must have terrified a soul whose rock is not Christ.”

“Imagine…all with the devotion of Saints,…singing the hymn of the Resurrection; when they come to the words ‘Peace be to all here’ it seems as if our Lord is again acting over the scene that passed with the assembled disciples.”

St. Vincent de Paul

“All of us make up a mystical body, but we’re all members of one another…. Every part of us is in such sympathy with one another and so interconnected that the pain of one is the pain of the other.”

“Grace has its moments… Let us abandon ourselves to the Providence of God and be on our guard against anticipating it.”

“Courage! Let us trust that our Lord will strengthen us in the crosses that come to us, great though they may be, when he sees that we love them and that we have confidence in him.”

St. Louise De Marillac

“… To choose the life of Jesus Crucified as the model for our lives so that His Resurrection may be a means for glory for us in eternity.”

“I beg the goodness of our Lord to dispose our souls for the reception of the Holy Spirit so that, burning with the fire of His holy love, you may be consumed in the perfection of this love which will enable you to love the most holy will of God.”

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From our Wisdom Figures

“… God saved us by serving us.  We often think we are the ones who serve God.  No, he is the one who freely chose to serve us, for he loved us first.

“… Today, in the tragedy of a pandemic, in the face of the many false securities that have now crumbled, in the face of so many hopes betrayed, in the sense of abandonment that weighs upon our hearts, Jesus says to each one of us: ‘Courage, open your heart to my love.  You will feel the consolation of God who sustains you.’

“… Dear friends, look at the real heroes who come to light in these days: they are not famous, rich and successful people; rather, they are those who are giving themselves in order to serve others.  Feel called yourselves to put your lives on the line.  Do not be afraid to devote your life to God and to others; it pays!  For life is a gift we receive only when we give ourselves away, and our deepest joy comes from saying yes to love, without ifs and buts. As Jesus did for us.” – Pope Francis, Palm Sunday homily, April 5, 2020

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“We believe Your Spirit rises anew in us — in our awareness, our perceptions, our interactions with Your people and Your creation. May we be attentive and willing, as we walk on, sharing in and with all, Your vision and energizing love.” – Sr. Joanne Ward (dec. 2013)

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“Like the apostles, we can be locked in the upper room of fear, or truly be open to the spirit of the risen Jesus who urges us to fear not and calls us, like the apostles, to continue our journey in the power of the spirit.” – Sr. Jane Iannucelli, SC

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Photo: Purple bush at Mount Saint Vincent, by Sr. Regina Bechtle