Charity Wisdom from Our Saints

From centuries ago, the words of Saints Elizabeth Ann Seton, Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac still resound, full of wisdom and insight for today. They are our mentors in the way of Charity. In company with Christ, we seek to heal divisions, work for justice and bring Good News to those on the margins.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

“I trust all to the mercy of Him who never forsakes those who confide in Him.”

“[God’s] mercies are endless and I shall not be left without my portion.” 

“…link by link the blessed chain — one Body in Christ, he the head, we the members; one Spirit diffused through the Holy Ghost in us all, one hope; Him in heaven and Eternity. One Faith by his word and his church, one Baptism and participation of his Sacraments; one God Our dear Lord, one Father, We his children ….”

St. Vincent de Paul 

“Oh, what great reason people of good will have to be cheerful.”

“You know the will of God cannot be made known to us more clearly in events than when they happen without our intervention or in a way other than we requested.”

“Honor God’s holy Providence in your conduct by not hurrying or bustling about.”

St. Louise De Marillac

“This, it seems to me is the road that God wills you to travel to reach him, however difficult it may appear. Enter upon it, then, wholeheartedly as you would a vessel that will carry you wherever you must go.”

“You see a great deal of distress that you are unable to relieve.
God sees it also.
Bear the pains of the poor together with them,
doing all you can to give them whatever help you can,
and remain in peace.”

Charity Wisdom from Our Friends

“–Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.
 –I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
 –The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

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“…Can one be passionate about the just, the
ideal, the sublime, and the holy, and yet commit
to no labor in its cause? I don’t think so.”
– Mary Oliver, from What I Have Learned

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“Be brave, seek first the justice of God, the good of the nation, and all else will be added.” – Blessed Frederic Ozanam

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“A social conscience isn’t one that’s a partisan reality but it’s one that says that when we come to making decisions about our common life together, those decisions need to be informed by the gospel and not by our political party or political allegiance.”  – Rev. Bryan Massingale https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2021/01/07/capitol-attack-racial-justice-bryan-massingale-239667