Quote: March 1

“To commit ourselves to Him for strength and refuge is the only relief from thoughts which would over power the mind that did not resist them.”

~ St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Lord, teach me how to let go and trust you, so my faith can grow and my hope increase.

Quote: February 28

“Have foresight when tending your patients; anticipate their needs.”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Whether or not my work directly involves the sick, I know, Lord, the only way to anticipate the needs of others is to put myself in their place. Help me to put the needs of others above my own.

Quote: February 27

“Our vocation places us in the midst of the poor to whom we give the best of ourselves.”

~ Mother Chiron, DC

Lord, help me to remember that only my best is good enough for those I will be serving today.

Quote: February 26

“We must never be surprised at the little misunderstanding which arise. The angels and the apostles disagreed and Our Lord permits it to happen in communities for a greater good. But it rests with us to avoid these regrettable circumstances and to become closely reconciled as soon as possible.”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

When misunderstandings occur at home or at work, Lord, I will try to be the first to make amends.

Quote: February 25

“One thing is wanting – works of charity – The blessing of the poor is the blessing of God – Let us go to the poor.”

~ Blessed Frederick Ozanam

Heavenly Father, enliven my faith so I can see you in those who are suffering.

Quote: February 24

“The sick were brought to Our Lord to be cured, like that poor man sick of the palsy whom they let down through the roof. Is not this what you do in hospitals?”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Sometimes in the routine activities of my day, I fail to see the value of what I do. Keep before me, Lord, the “big picture” and realize the blessing it is to serve you in the sick and needy.

Quote: February 23

“We must always do things with the greatest possible simplicity.”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Grant me, Lord, the ability to speak and act candidly, acknowledging the contributions of others whenever possible.

Quote: February 22

“We must generously accept our inability to act, when it pleases God that this should happen.”

~ St. Louise de Marillac

When I am forced to remain inactive, Lord, keep me patient and calm in my waiting, knowing that this, too, pleases you.

Quote: February 21

“Punctuality is an essential point to observe in the accomplishment of your duties.”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Even if being on time is not a value to me, it is important to observe because the time of others is as important as mine is to me. When I am tempted to let things go until the last minute, Lord, remind me that time is a precious gift which I should spend wisely in your service.

Quote: February 20

“Faith lifts the soul, hope supports it, experience says it must, and love says let it be.”

~ St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Life is a precious gift from you, Lord. Help me to celebrate it and be grateful for your many gifts.

Quote: February 19

“You should be strictly conscientious in the preparation of the medicines you handle.”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Whether I am responsible for preparation of medicines or not, teach me Lord to respect my own body by taking medication exactly as prescribed and not over or under medicating myself to the detriment of my health.

Quote: February 18

“The poor person, the patient, must be conscious that he is acknowledged as an individual, that he is respected, loved, treated on an equal footing and capable of giving as much as he receives.”

~ Rev. Joseph Jamet, CM

O Lord, let me be consciously aware of the respect and reverence I owe to each person I meet today.

Quote: February 17

Encouraging one of his communities, Vincent said, “Love is inventive, even to infinity.”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Inventiveness takes a lot of energy and prayer. It is much safer to reply on the “tried and true” than to risk failure in order to come up with ideas never thought of before. Lord, be my inspiration as I put my creative gifts at your service.

Quote: February 16

“Every day we must direct our actions anew towards God and make them pass from the demands of nature to the call of grace.”

~ Blessed Suzanne Guillemin, DC

Lord, as I begin this brand new day help me to think less of my own selfish desires and more of others.

Quote: February 15

“It requires fortitude to be silent concerning personal ills and fatigue.”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

When I am tempted to relate every detail about my personal problems, Lord, help me to keep them to myself, realizing that others must deal with sufferings far greater than mine.

Quote: February 14

Writing to encourage establishment of Conferences in Sienna:

“You have rich children, O My Father, what a useful and beneficial lesson and how strengthening to enervate hearts to show them the poor; that is, to show them Jesus Christ not only in images painted by the great masters, but to show them Jesus Christ in the persons of the poor.”

~ Blessed Frederick Ozanam

Thank you, Lord, for the many opportunities I have of serving you in others.

Quote: February 13

“Work quietly, without attracting notice.”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Lord, when I find myself wanting to be excessively noticed or appreciated, I will find peace in knowing your love for me is unconditional.

Quote: February 12

“We should wait in silence for the gifts of the Spirit. Mary was in the upper room with the apostles. She kept silence while awaiting the descent of the Spirit.”

~ St. Catherine Laboure

Mary, you received such an abundance of gifts from the Holy Spirit. Help me to persevere in prayer for the gifts I so much need.

Quote: February 11

“Continue to view the affairs and doings of the neighbor in a spirit of charity; should his actions have a hundred sides, always look at the best.”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Because you alone can read the motives of others, Lord, only you can judge their actions. Make me ever mindful of my own sinfulness and need for forgiveness.

Quote: February 10

“We should raise our eyes to God at the beginning of our actions; make an act of humility, knowing ourselves unworthy to perform them, and an act of charity, undertaking them for his love and offering them to him united to the same actions which his son performed while he was on earth.”

~ St. Louise de Marillac

Lord, I consecrate to you every action of my day. May each hour bring me further opportunities to serve you. To your glory be all the good accomplished.

Quote: February 9

"Know how to maintain silence in order to fulfill the demand of professional secrecy."

~ St. Vincent de Paul

No harm can ever result from keeping confidences secure, while failures can only result in dire consequences. Lord, grant me a great respect for my professional responsibilities in this regard.

Quote: February 8

"Charity in order to be Christian, must be directed to the individual person, thus counteracting the contrary trends which are so much in evidence today. It must be respectful and impartial."

~ Rev. Joseph Jamet, CM

Lord, it is your face I see in every person I meet today, I can't help but honor and respect the image.

Quote: February 7

 "Your nightly duty is laden with heavy responsibility and it is only through rest, sensibly taken, that you will possess the presence of mind your duty demands."

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Often the press of responsibilities is so great I fail to attend to my own personal needs. Help me to realize that burning the candle at both ends can only result in destroying the whole thing when the two ends finally do meet.

Quote: February 6

“The sign of Christ’s love possessing a heart: Liberty of mind, constant awareness of others’ needs and the demands of the apostolate.”

~ Sister Suzanne Guillemin, DC

Father, today I will try to listen to the needs of those around me.

Quote: February 5

“God always blesses humble beginnings more than those that make a big stir!”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Lord, I know that without your help, I can do nothing good or worthwhile. Forgive me for the times I have wanted recognition for what I have done.

Quote: February 4

Speaking about a possible organization for the service of the poor – “Our membership in such a union will bear silent and humble witness to the faith that is in us – a faith that has always inspired its more devoted adherents to work for the good of those the world despises and neglects.”

~ Blessed Frederic Ozanam

As I move throughout my day, Lord, never let the pressure of work excuse me from taking the time to say those comforting or encouraging words that ease the pain of someone who is suffering.

Quote: February 3

“You represent the goodness of God to the sick.”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Lord, I want to show your goodness to others but sometimes my shortcoming seem to prevail. Help me to become the person you want me to be so others can see your image in me.

Quote: February 2

It was said of St. Catherine Laboure that some sort of electric current ran between Catherine and humble people, between her and children. Those who were puzzled or embarrassed went to her as if she were a beloved granny, a staunch member of the household - but would later leave the "old lady" when they had learnt to fly with their own wings.

St. Catherine, I admire the good influence you had on others, especially the ability to empower them to become self-sufficient. Teach me how to do this in my relationships.

Quote: February 1

"I beg Our Lord that in all things He may be your all!"

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Today I will spend some quality time with you, Lord, thanking you for all the gifts and blessings you have given me.