Praying for France with French Saints

People throughout the world have been praying for France and the victims of terrorism there.

As Catholics, we can turn to the saints, especially the many French saints, for intercession as we pray. And we can look to them for timeless words of wisdom and inspiration.

Here are just a few thoughts from some great French saints:

Our Lady of Lourdes:
"Pray for sinners."
"Go drink at the spring and wash yourself in it."
"Penance! Penance! Penance!"

St. Therese of Lisieux:
"I know of one means only by which to attain to perfection: LOVE. Let us love, since our heart is made for nothing else."

St. Joan of Arc:
"I fear nothing for God is with me!"

St. Martin of Tours:
"With the Sign of the Cross I shall more certainly break through the ranks of the enemy than if armed with shield and sword."

St. John Vianney:
"I tell you that you have less to suffer in following the cross than in serving the world and its pleasures."

St. Jeanne Jugan:
“He is so good ... love God very much. All for Him, do everything through love.”

St. Genevieve:
"We must keep vigil in prayer and fasting so that the Lord will find us ready when He comes."

St. Bernard of Clairvaux:
“What we love we shall grow to resemble.”

St. Peter Julian Eymard:
“Hear Mass daily; it will prosper the whole day. All your duties will be performed the better for it, and your soul will be stronger to bear its daily cross. The Mass is the most holy act of religion; you can do nothing that can give greater glory to God or be more profitable for your soul than to hear Mass both frequently and devoutly. It is the favorite devotion of the saints.”

St. Louis:
"Therefore, dear son, the first thing I advise is that you fix your whole heart upon God, and love Him with all your strength, for without this no one can be saved or be of any worth."

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque:
"Hope in His goodness and redouble your confidence in proportion as your troubles increase."

St. Madeleine Sophie Barat:
"We can only save souls if we are founded in charity, the bond of hearts. If charity grows weak, all the means we employ will fail. The Heart of Jesus recognizes as His own those who put in practice His chosen commandment."

St. Jane Frances de Chantal:
"Remain in Him or near Him, in peace of mind and utter trust ..."

St. Catherine Laboure:
"One must see God in everyone."

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne:
"I am where God wills me to be, and so I have found rest and security. His wisdom governs me, His power defends me, His grace sanctifies me, His mercy encompasses me, His joy sustains me, and all will go well with me."


St. John Eudes:
"He belongs to you, but more than that, He longs to be in you, living and ruling in you, as the head lives and rules in the body. He wants His breath to be in your breath, His heart in your heart, and His soul in your soul."

St. Vincent de Paul:
"Lord, help me to make time today to serve You in those who are most in need of encouragement or assistance."


St. Hilary of Poitiers:
"Servants of the truth ought speak the truth."

St. Isaac Jogues:
“Well must we use the time that is accorded us that we must do that in our life which we would have wished that we did at the moment of our death.”

St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle:
"I will often consider myself as an instrument which is of no use except in the hands of the Workman. Hence I must await the orders of Providence before acting and be careful to accomplish them when unknown."

Saints of France, pray for us. Help us find true peace.

Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.