Quote collection
215 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"It is a maxim of ours to work in the service of the people, with the good pleasure of the pastors, and never to act contrary to their wishes. And, at the opening and closing of each mission, we get their blessing in a spirit of dependence."
"And what are we doing if we are not doing God's Will?"
"There is nothing good that does not meet with opposition, and it should not be valued any less because it encounters objections."
"Remember, Monsieur, that the downfall of most Communities comes from the cowardice of Superiors in not holding firm and in not purging them of the troublesome and incorrigible."
". . . [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."
"So, our vocation is to go, not just to one parish, not just to one diocese, but all over the world; and do what? To set people's hearts on fire, to do what the Son of God did. He came to set the world on fire in order to inflame it with His love."
"I am determined, even if they throw mud in my face, never to show any resentment, nor break with them, nor deviate from the esteem and honor I owe them in the sight of God. If they forget themselves and say or do something offensive against your little bark, even if it is done purposely to make it sink, bear with it for the love of God, who will save you from shipwreck and calm the storm. Do not complain or even say a single work about it. In spite of everything, continue to compliment them when you meet, as if nothing were amiss."
"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."
"Man's condition is never the same; he is humbled, then exalted; sometimes at peace, sometimes persecuted; enlightened today and plunged into darkness tomorrow. What is to be done? As I said, let us be prepared for whatever may happen."
"Divine Providence is never wanting in things undertaken at Its command. Even though the whole world should rise up and destroy us, nothing could happen but what is pleasing to God. The less there is of man in affairs, the more there is of God."
"[I]t is the maxim of the saints that when a matter has been decided in the presence of God after many prayers and the seeking of advice, we must reject and consider as a temptation whatever is suggested to the contrary."
"God uproots the vine that He Himself has not planted."
"[L]et us work to rid ourselves of our attacks of over-zealousness especially when it offends against respect, esteem, and charity."
"[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."
". . . [A]s a rule, the most learned persons do not produce the greatest results. We see that only too often."
"Far from rejecting such a good man as you, He never even abandons a wicked man who hopes for His mercy."
"Remember the maxim of the Romans which states that by union and counsel we can achieve anything."
"If we want to find the manna hidden in our vocation, let us restrict and confine all our desires within it."