Top 8 Catholic Quotes on Faith
Pope Francis states, “It is not enough to say we are Christians. We must live the faith, not only with our words, but with our actions.” The Catholic faith goes deeper than attending Mass on Sundays and saying the traditional prayers — it is a continual and incorporating commitment to live a life led by Jesus’ example.
Continue reading to discover the top eight Catholic quotes on faith from saints and scripture.
Catholic Saint Quotes About Faith
Many revered and holy Catholic figures from history have shared inspirational wisdom about faith and love. Check out four of the best Catholic quotes about faith from saints.
1. St. Thomas Aquinas
“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”
St. Thomas Aquinas was an influential philosopher, Dominican friar and Catholic priest who lived in the 13th century. His writings and teachings are well-known and distinguished within the Catholic Church. In this quote, Aquinas references his larger teaching that faith is an act of will. For the faithful, “no explanation is necessary” because true faith does not require proof. Aquinas saw faith as an act of free will, so Christians freely choose to believe in God regardless of rational explanations.
However, Aquinas acknowledges that those without faith may never come to believe what the faithful do. Since faith is an act of will, a person has to intentionally trust in their faith — without that faith, true belief will never be possible. Faith requires an intentional surrendering of the will to God’s authority.
2. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
“Faith lifts the soul. Hope supports it. Experience says it must. And love says let it be!”
Elizabeth Ann Seton was a 19th-century widow and mother who became a religious sister after her husband passed away. She founded the first community for religious sisters in the United States, and became the founder of the first Catholic girls’ school and the country’s parochial school system. Upon her canonization, she was the first American-born citizen to become a saint.
In this famous Catholic quote on faith, Seton describes faith, hope and love as uplifting forces in one’s life. As Catholics, we receive constant reminders to embody these three essential values in everything we do. Following Seton’s quote, we remember to rely on them to guide our life.
3. St. Bruno
“While the world changes, the cross stands firm.”
St. Bruno of Cologne, a 12th-century saint, was born in France and would grow up to found the Carthusian Order. As a celebrated teacher, he had an excellent reputation, and one of his pupils would go on to become Pope Urban II. This quote, which happens to be the motto of the Carthusian Order, is a reflection of St. Bruno’s commitment to penance and prayer — a commitment the Order has maintained for hundreds of years.
On a broader scale, the quote references the many changes the world has undergone. In an increasingly secular world, it can be hard to hold firm to our faith and beliefs. St. Bruno’s Catholic quote on faith reminds us that the principles and values of our Catholic faith will remain true, no matter how many transformations the world goes through.
4. St. Augustine
“Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.”
St. Augustine of Hippo lived during the fourth century and is one of the most revered Church Fathers, a group of ancient philosophers who helped form the teachings and traditions of the early church. Among Augustine’s essential contributions to Catholicism are his books, Confessions and City of God.
Augustine’s quote is an enormously popular Catholic quote on faith, so even if you didn’t know it came from him, you’ve probably heard it before. The first part of this quote is pretty straightforward — to have faith is to believe something, even if you can’t see it or fully understand it. The second part is more complex. The “reward” of faith Augustine speaks of means you see the fruits of your faith through eternal life.
Catholic Bible Quotes About Faith
The Bible also has a lot to tell us about faith. Check out these four Catholic Bible quotes about faith.
1. Hebrews 11:1
“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.”
In this verse from Hebrews, the writer isn’t necessarily offering an exact definition of faith. Rather, they are describing how faith derives from hope rather than proof. This chapter of Hebrews is about the faith of ancient biblical figures, such as Abraham, Noah and Abel, for their faith in God — without seeing Him — led them to eternal life.
2. James 2:24
“See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.”
The book of James, also known as the Epistle of James, is one of 21 epistles in the New Testament. In chapter two, verse 24, the writer uses this quote to describe the necessary connection between belief and action. He uses Abraham’s sacrifice of his son Isaac as evidence that works are integral to demonstrating your faith and commitment to God.
Later, in verse 26, the writer notes, “faith without works is dead,” further solidifying the message that faith requires action, not passive belief.
3. Romans 10:17
“Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.”
The book of Romans, which scholars agree is the work of Paul the Apostle, spreads the glory of Jesus Christ and teaches the doctrine of the Catholic Church. When Paul uses the word “heard” in this verse, the meaning may be different from the physical act of hearing we associate with the senses.
In this case, “what is heard” might mean accepted or received — after all, one cannot believe in something without knowing it. That is why Paul calls on believers to spread the gospel, so everyone can hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
4. Matthew 21:22
“Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.”
In chapter 21 of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus proclaims this quote to his disciples when they express their shock at his ability to make a fig tree wither on command. Through this Catholic scripture quote about faith, Jesus teaches his disciples about the power of prayer. With true faith in your prayers, God will provide you with everything you need.
Help Spread the Faith With Prayer Intentions for Catholic World Mission
In these inspirational Catholic quotes, it is impossible to overstate the power of faith and love. Catholic World Mission is an organization that seeks to empower people worldwide while sharing God’s truth. We partner with people and communities wherever there is need, and our work strives to meet that need through a long-term, sustaining partnership.
Your generous donations go toward helping us fulfill God’s call to serve others, and your prayers help lift our staff and partners as we strive to create a better world. We also accept prayer intentions for you and your loved ones — send us your prayer requests and we will remember them in our weekly service on Friday afternoons.