Inspirational Quotes From Saints For Young Catholics
Published February 28, 2024
Throughout history, saints have been a source of inspiration and wisdom. They have taught us that anyone, regardless of race, age, or gender, can serve as a model of the Christian faith. Even though many of these saints lived centuries ago, their teachings resonate with young Catholics today. Here are some of the most inspirational quotes from saints that all Catholics, young and old, can find relatable and inspiring.
Inspirational Quotes From Catholic Saints You Shouldn’t Miss
Uncover the timeless wisdom and profound inspiration of Catholic saints. Immerse in the profound teachings and insights that have guided countless souls throughout history. Go on a spiritual journey of discovery with these inspirational quotes from saints.
1. St. Ignatius of Loyola
He was a Spanish priest and theologian who lived during the Middle Ages. He’s one of the founders of the Society of Jesus (SJ). The Society of Jesus is one of today’s most distinguished missionary orders. Giving up his privileged life and royal connections, he chose a vow of poverty. His life taught us true happiness is not found in wealth and material possessions.
Inspirational Quotes:
- “Teach us to give and not count the cost.”
- “If God sends you many sufferings, it is a sign that He has great plans for you and certainly wants to make you a saint.”
2. St. Catherine of Siena
In the 14th century, it was difficult for a woman to go against her family’s wishes. This was especially true regarding marriage. But Catherine’s fortitude and deep faith enabled her to do just that. Instead of marrying, she spent her life helping those in need. She is also an advocate of peace. Her letters impacted influential political figures—a deed only very few women of her time would ever dare.
Inspirational Quotes:
- “If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze!”
- “Nothing great is ever achieved without enduring much.”
3. St. John Paul the Great
St. John Paul II, commonly called John Paul the Great, immensely influenced the Catholic Church during the 20th century. Born Karol Józef Wojtyła on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, he held the position of Pope from 1978 until his passing in 2005. His remarkable leadership and unwavering devotion left an indelible mark on the Church and the world.
On October 16, 1978, John Paul II was elected Pope, breaking a 455-year tradition of Italian Popes and becoming the first Polish Pope in history. Throughout his papacy, he dedicated himself to fostering better relationships between the Catholic Church and other religious communities. His crucial role in the demise of communism in Poland and Eastern Europe is a testament to his remarkable influence and leadership.
Inspirational Quote:
- “The future starts today, not tomorrow.”
4. St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein)
As a teenager, Edith admitted to being an atheist. Later, she wrote that her longing for truth was a single prayer. She converted to Catholicism in 1922 and later on became a Carmelite nun. Because of her Jewish background, she was arrested and killed during the Nazi regime. Despite her hardships during this period, she remained steadfast in her prayers. Her firm faith in God amid suffering made her a true inspiration to the world.
Inspirational Quotes:
- “The nation doesn’t simply need what we have. It needs what we are.”
5. St. Pio of Pietrelcina
At only five years old, Pio would make the momentous decision of dedicating his life to God. His life is characterized by various illnesses which plagued him into adulthood. Despite his ill health, St. Pio continued his priestly duties and built a hospital for the sick and poor. He is one of the most famous stigmatists of the 20th century.
Inspirational Quotes:
- “Our Lord loves you and loves you tenderly; and if He does not let you feel the sweetness of His love, it is to make you more humble and abject in your own eyes.”
- “Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry”
6. St. Gregory Naziansen
Priesthood didn’t come by choice for Gregory. This made him reluctant to accept the responsibility at first. Still, he became one of the most acclaimed theologians of the Catholic Church. He continued his missionary work despite the insults, slanders, and death threats.
Inspirational Quote:
- “Give something, however small, to the one in need. For it is not small to one who has nothing. Neither is it small to God, if we have given what we could.”
7. St. John of the Cross
Imprisoned for standing up for his beliefs, John endured nine months languishing in a cell. He starved and was often lashed in public. Amid this ordeal, John found comfort in the words of God through his prayer book. He also wrote poems and songs of worship on smuggled scraps of paper. His poems continue to influence people centuries after his death.
Inspirational Quote:
- “If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads on, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark.”
8. St. Therese of Lisieux
Dubbed the “little flower of Jesus,” Therese lived a simple life of prayer. She spent most of her life battling tuberculosis and eventually succumbed to death at the young age of 24. Despite her short life, her spirituality and unwavering faith in God have inspired people worldwide.
Inspirational Quotes:
- “You cannot be half a saint; you must be a whole saint or no saint at all.”
- “Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing.”
9. St. Clare of Assisi
As the eldest daughter of a wealthy noble family, Clare had a privileged future ahead of her. But she gave it all up, cut her hair short, dressed in rags, and followed the Franciscan way. She chose to live in manual labor, piety, and simplicity, which made her happier than when she was living as the daughter of a count.
Inspirational Quote:
- “Love God, serve God; everything is in that.”
10. St. John Vianney
As a child, John’s family would always help the poor. This left an impression on him and would influence his decision to become a priest. He worked tirelessly to convert people back to the faith and has gained fame as the champion of the poor.
Inspirational Quote:
- “We will either accuse ourselves or excuse ourselves.”
11. St. Francis of Assisi
One of the most well-known saints in history, Francis inspired many people in his time and after. He’s best known for discarding his family’s wealth to live a vow of poverty. He cared for lepers at a time when most people derided them. His examples eventually drew followers, leading to the founding of the Franciscan Order.
Inspirational Quotes:
- “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”
- “Start by doing what is necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
12. St. Teresa of Avila
St. Teresa of Avila, also known as St. Teresa of Jesus, was a prominent 16th-century Spanish mystic, writer, and theologian. She played a significant role in reforming the Carmelite Order. She aimed to restore stricter adherence to its original rules. Alongside St. John of the Cross, she established the Discalced Carmelites, an order devoted to solitude and prayer. Canonized as a saint in 1614, she became the first woman to be declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970.
Inspirational Quote:
- “To have courage for whatever comes in life—everything lies in that.”
13. St. Teresa of Calcutta
St. Teresa of Calcutta, or Mother Teresa as she was more commonly known, showed the world what charity should be like. She never hesitated to help the poorest of the poor. She put up care homes for people dying of AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis. Her work inspired thousands of others to join her cause. She was also instrumental in bringing various social issues that were otherwise not known to the public to light. Mother Teresa lived in service to others, even until her last breath.
Inspirational Quotes:
- “We can do no great things; only small things with great love.”
- “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
14. St. Philip Neri
St. Philip Neri, an influential figure in the Catholic Church during the 16th century, was known for his joyful spirit, spirituality, and commitment to serving others. He was born on July 21, 1515, in Florence, Italy. Later in life, he relocated to Rome, where he dedicated himself to a life of devotion to God and selflessly caring for the less fortunate. Neri, often called the “Apostle of Rome,” established the Congregation of the Oratory. The Oratory combined liturgical practice with education and social service. St. Philip Neri emphasized joy and humor in his approach to spirituality. He drew people to him with his charismatic personality and spread faith and love for God.
Inspirational Quote:
- “A joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one.”
15. St. Dominic Savio
St. Dominic Savio, a revered figure in the Catholic Church, showed deep spirituality and piety from a young age. Born on April 2, 1842, in Riva di Chieri, Italy, Dominic displayed remarkable religious devotion as a child. At 12, he joined the Oratory School in Turin, run by St. John Bosco, a priest dedicated to educating and caring for disadvantaged youth. Guided by St. John Bosco, Dominic grew spiritually, with a special devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary. Dominic Savio passed away at 14 on March 9, 1857. His short life was marked by extraordinary faith, humility, and a desire to help others.
Inspirational Quote:
- “I am not capable of doing big things, but I want to do everything, even the smallest things, for the greater glory of God.”
16. St. Mary MacKillop
St. Mary MacKillop, also recognized as St. Mary of the Cross, holds a revered position as Australia’s inaugural saint. Born on January 15, 1842, in Fitzroy, Victoria, she devoted her life to educating the underprivileged in rural areas of Australia.
In 1866, MacKillop and Reverend Julian Tenison Woods joined forces to create the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart. This devout order dedicated itself to serving the underprivileged, focusing on rural communities. These compassionate sisters throughout Australia and New Zealand established schools, orphanages, and homes for the elderly, leaving a lasting impact on those in need.
Inspirational Quote:
- “Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them cheerfully, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid.”
17. St. Francis Xavier
St. Francis Xavier is a prominent Roman Catholic missionary and the Society of Jesus co-founder. He became a companion of St. Ignatius of Loyola. He was sent by Ignatius, at the request of King John III of Portugal, to evangelize the people of the East Indies in 1541. Over the next decade, he traveled through India, Southeast Asia, and Japan, spreading Christianity and establishing missions. He was known for his tireless missionary work, linguistic aptitude, and deep commitment to the people he served.
Inspirational Quote:
- “It is not the actual physical exertion that counts towards one’s progress, nor the nature of the task, but by the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken.”
Inspirational Quotes From The Saints For Modern Souls
The lives and teachings of these saints offer an enduring source of inspiration for Catholics of all ages. Their unwavering faith, commitment to serving others, and profound wisdom continue to resonate with people worldwide, transcending time and cultural barriers.
As we reflect on their words and actions, let us be inspired to emulate their virtues in our own lives. Each of us has the potential to make a positive difference in the world. We can do this through acts of kindness, devotion to prayer, or standing up for justice. Discover timeless wisdom with inspirational quotes from saints. Let the profound teachings of these spiritual guides inspire and guide you on your journey.
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Lay Cistercians of South Florida, is a community of lay people who seeks to have a deeper connection with God by living a life inspired by the monks and nuns through Lay Monasticism. Learn more about what is a Lay Cistercian on our website. Anyone who aspires to do the same as us, and is a confirmed Catholic is welcome to join us! We meet every second Saturday of the month at Emmanuel Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Florida.
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About The Author
Hello there! I’m Corinne Grace. I believe in the power of storytelling to connect and educate, which is why I strive to bring each article to life with clarity and purpose. It’s not just about what’s written, it’s about making an impact on the reader.
