Quotes on Humility that Speak of Franciscan Call

Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sr. Catherine Peter Logan rebuilds Christ’s Church by sharing 14 inspiring quotes on humility from Scripture as well as authors Fr. William Ullathorne, Sandra Kirby, Helena Romano, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Capuchin, Avellina Balestri and Bishop Robert Morneau. The quotes are featured with images and scenes from Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.

“The foot of the cross where Mary stood with John, and where the prostrate Magdalene wept her loving grief, is the great school of humility, where the soul is purified and brought to God. There forever sounds the great command of the Divine Master, ‘Learn of me, for I am meek and humble of heart.'” – Fr. William Ullathorne

“St. Joseph did not set out in search of glory and renown, yet he was chosen for a more glorious role than he ever could have imagined. He was the rock of Our Lady and the shield of the Christ Child, a model of fortitude and faith. Despite the gravity of his duties, St. Joseph never assumed an air of self-importance or vanity. He never grew puffed up at this honor and responsibility: he simply responded with holy wonder and perfect obedience.” – Sandra Kirby

“Blessed Virgin Mary: she was a young woman without wealth or powerful connections and yet her submission to the will of God altered the course of human history and opened the door for the divine Messiah to enter the world He would one day redeem. She did not attempt to argue that she is as utterly unworthy of the grace bestowed on her, but rather submitted with her humble fiat. ‘May it be done unto me according to your word.'” – Helena Romano

“Therefore humility, per se, in the most perfect degree, is not in being little, it is not in feeling that oneself is little or proclaiming oneself little. It is in making oneself little, and not out of some necessity or personal utility, but out of love, to ‘raise’ others.” – Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap

“Saint Francis makes of ‘Sister Water’ the symbol of humility, describing it as ‘useful, humble, precious and chaste. ‘ Water, in fact, never ‘elevates’ itself, never ‘ascends,’ but always ‘descends,’ until it is traditional symbol of pride and vanity; water descends and is, therefore, the symbol of humility.” – Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap

“Humility is the only ground from which true love can spring. For humility is a giving up of self for something greater and enables us to see ourselves for what we truly are: created in the image of the divine, wounded through sin, yet transformed through love. It seems that the closer the saints grew in their relationship with God, the more they could see their multitudinous imperfections, just as we can see floating particles of dust dancing within the light of a sunbeam.” – Avellina Balestri

“Truly, humility is our greatest friend. It increases our hunger for God’s word and opens our hearts to his Spirit. It leads to an intimacy with God, who knows the proud from afar, but dwells with him ‘who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.’ (Isa. 57z;15) It imparts the aroma of Christ to all whom we encounter. It is a sign of greatness in the kingdom of God. (Luke 22:24-27)” – Thomas Tarrants

“There is no one above us, and there is no one below us-we all have equal dignity. A belief that anchors our authentic humility is the faith that we are made in the image and likeness of God; God said, ‘We are, as Paul called us, ‘God’s work of art’ (Ephesians 2:10). Humility recognizes this truth.” – Bishop Robert Morneau

“Gracious God, in Jesus we witness your humility, in your Spirit we know ourselves to be called to humble service. Break our pride, remove our fear, heal us in our blindness. Grant to each of us the grace of humility, so that we might realize the truth of our being and the glory of your majesty. May Mary, humble one, be a guide for us. May Jesus, your child, show us the way. May your Spirit fill us with wisdom that leads us down the path of humility. Grant all this, if it be your will. Amen.” – Bishop Robert Morneau