Every day is an opportunity to achieve new heights on your journey through life. As a follower of the Catholic faith, you know that God has called you to love your neighbors and show your faith through your good works. But sometimes, you might need a little extra inspiration or motivation to face the day.
Life can be tricky to navigate at times. But we have the Bible and great saints of the faith to look to for wisdom and guidance. Below, you’ll discover Catholic inspirational quotes to motivate and encourage you in whatever you’re going through.
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10 Inspirational Quotes From Catholic Saints
Some of the best motivational Catholic quotes come from the saints who lived throughout history. Below are 10 quotes every Catholic should know to help keep them going.
1. St. Teresa of Avila
“To have courage for whatever comes in life — everything lies in that.”
Born in Spain in 1515, St. Teresa of Avila grew up reading and studying about Christian martyrs. Their examples inspired her, to the point where she longed to die a martyr’s death. But she would face other tests that would require courage, including illnesses and the death of her family. She stayed courageous to complete God’s tasks for her throughout her life.
It’s impossible to know what a day may bring. God has plans for us, but sometimes those plans take us through difficult times. You must remember to stay courageous, even when the going gets tough.
2. St. Ignatius of Antioch
“I wish not merely to be called Christian, but also to be Christian.”
Holding the title of “Christian” is one thing. But when life demands action, truly being a Christian becomes an entirely different experience. As one of the first martyrs of the Church, St. Ignatius of Antioch displayed what it means to be a Christian during the most difficult times. St. Ignatius stayed faithful to God even when doing so would cost him his life.
Remember this quote and the example of St. Ignatius of Antioch when the world tests your faith. Stay faithful to God and God will be faithful to you, too.
3. St. Dominic Savio
“I am not capable of doing big things, but I want to do everything, even the smallest things, for the greater glory of God.”
This quote truly comes into perspective with the knowledge that St. Dominic Savio died when he was only 15 years old. Although he was young, he displayed a pure heart for God during his brief lifetime. He serves as an inspiration to Catholics everywhere that even the smallest positive action can bring glory to God.
Whatever you do, whatever your skills, and whatever your age — you can live your life for the glory of God. Let this inspire you to take action today. Even the smallest act for God can make huge changes in someone’s life.
4. St. Catherine of Siena
“Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire.”
St. Catherine of Siena was born in 1347 during the outbreak of the Black Plague in Italy. But throughout her life, St. Catherine spread something else to those around her — inspiration and love. She forwent marriage and instead focused her life on helping people in need. She even influenced powerful politicians with letters on peace, something a woman would only dare to do during those days.
This quote describes what happens when you stay true to God’s purpose for your life. St. Catherine lived out this quote, and we can too. Follow God’s purpose for you, and He can use you to change the world.
5. St. Thomas Aquinas
“To convert somebody, go and take them by the hand and guide them.”
St. Thomas Aquinas lived from 1225 to 1274, a time in which theologians and philosophers debated the relationship between faith and reason. St. Thomas Aquinas would write some of the most important Catholic works during this period, clarifying what it meant to have faith in Jesus and how to experience that faith in everyday life.
The quote above has a lot to do with discipleship — guiding someone on their faith journey. Is there someone in your life whom you want to come to know Jesus? Let this quote inspire you to come alongside them and help them take their first steps of faith.
6. St. Francis of Assisi
“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”
Catholics around the world look to St. Francis of Assisi as an inspiration for living boldly for God. He lived during the 13th century, preaching and teaching the Word of God with great charisma. Some would say he was a beacon of light in a dark world.
You, too, can shine the same light. Even when the world around you feels dark, remember this quote and live your life for God. Even a small candle can illuminate the deepest darkness.
7. St. Jane Frances de Chantal
“Hold your eyes on God and leave the doing to Him. That is all the doing you have to worry about.”
Born in 1572, St. Jane Frances de Chantal was a faithful mother, wife, citizen and follower of God. Catholics remember her for pressing through adversity, serving people around her and humbly seeking God’s will above all else.
You can follow St. Jane Frances de Chantal’s example today. Whatever you’re going through or whatever role you’re playing in the lives of those around you, you can live without worry. God will handle the complex details, so keep your eyes on Him throughout every moment.
8. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”
St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta is one of the most popular Catholic saints from recent years. She’s also one of the best examples of what it means to spread love and light in a dark world. Her well-documented actions of love, both big and small, show how she embodied this quote every day.
If you feel like your actions are insignificant, remember this quote and think again. Even the smallest action can make a huge difference in someone’s life if you do it in love.
9. St. Ignatius of Loyola
“Teach us to give and not count the cost.”
This is the St. Ignatius prayer. St. Ignatius of Loyola was born in Spain in 1491. Although his early life is notable for his gambling and violence, his conversion to Christianity left him a changed man. He often put his physical well-being on the line if it meant protecting someone else, embodying this famous quote.
You may be facing a situation right now where God is calling you to give something of yourself for someone else, whether it be a financial gift or otherwise. Let this quote inspire you to give selflessly in all circumstances.
10. St. John Paul the Great
“The future starts today, not tomorrow.”
St. John Paul the Great, also known as Saint John Paul II, was the Pope of the Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005. Catholics remember him as being the first non-Italian pope, forgiving his attacker after an assassination attempt and being outspoken about human rights.
St. John Paul the Great knew that every day was a chance to pave the way for a better future. With the mentality that the future starts now, you can live each day with new motivation to make life the best it can be for you and the people around you.
10 Inspirational Catholic Quotes From the Bible
As the foundation of the Catholic faith, the Bible is full of verses to inspire and motivate. May the following Catholic inspirational quotes from the Bible uplift you as you read them or commit them to memory.
1. Philippians 4:13
“I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” Philippians 4:13.
The Apostle Paul suffered a lot during his life. Hunger, shipwreck, imprisonment and homelessness are just a few of his struggles. Yet through it all, he persevered because he knew Jesus would give him the strength to make it through.
You serve the same Jesus as Paul. And the same strength He gave Paul is the same strength He will give to you. Jesus will give you the power to make it through anything that life can throw your way.
2. Psalm 37:4
“Find your delight in the LORD who will give you your heart’s desire.” Psalm 37:4.
In this verse, the psalmist is encouraging you to delight in God instead of the passing fancies of the world. The world is going to show you many things that may seem tempting. But these things are temporary and will pass away. God knows the desires of your heart, and God’s gifts will last. A life of delighting in God will always be more fulfilling than a life delighting in the passing trends of the world.
3. Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105.
What can you do when the path forward in life looks dark and uncertain? You do what the psalmist did — turn to scripture.
God’s word shines light on the darkness and provides clarity amid confusion. The Bible is truly a gift from God! Take advantage of this gift and read it. It will help you navigate all the twists and turns of life — especially during difficult or dark times.
4. John 1:5
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5.
Sometimes, we need reminders about spiritual truths. In this verse, the Apostle John gives one of the most important truths of all — light prevails over darkness. You may face times when people look down on you for your faith. You may face persecution or slander. But you can keep your light shining knowing that the world’s darkness is unable to overtake it. Even if your body may perish, your soul will live on with God.
5. 1 Corinthians 15:57
“But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57.
The Apostle Paul gives insight into another amazing truth. Victory is set for those who put their faith in Jesus. If you believe in Jesus, then that means you’re on the winning side. The world can try to drag you down in seemingly endless ways. But at the end of it all, you have victory in Jesus Christ. Hold onto this truth, and the discouragements of life will suddenly seem insignificant.
6. Proverbs 16:3
“Entrust your works to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3.
Everyone has plans and goals for their life and achieving what one sets out to do is surely a satisfying feeling. But it’s also normal to face hardships and failures. In all moments, you should seek God’s will and ask Him to help you succeed. If you’re in God’s will, then you’re sure to achieve success in what you set your mind and heart to do.
7. Ephesians 3:20
“Now to Him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work with us…” Ephesians 3:20.
This verse plays perfectly off the previous one. We have our goals in life, but the fact is that God’s plans for us are even better. At times, we may think life is going out of control. But God knows what’s happening. We may feel like we’ve failed, but to God, that’s just a step toward the next success.
God can do far more through us than anything we could ever come up with. Our power comes from Him, and it’s through Him that we can do great and mighty works here on Earth.
8. Romans 8:28
“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.
You may notice a bit of a theme concerning — life works out when we love God and seek His will. In this verse, Paul reminds us that God has a purpose for every one of His followers. Even when you’re suffering hardships, you can know that things will work if you love God. Realize God’s purpose for you today and hold fast to Him in every situation.
9. Romans 8:31
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31.
When you’re in need of some valiant encouragement, this is the verse for you. In this life, you may face many dangers and tribulations at the hands of other individuals. Whether they’re persecuting you for your faith or being mean to you at work or school, this type of treatment can get you downtrodden.
But when God is on your side, you have the victory. God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. This means that He is with you at all times, and He has the strength and knowledge to bring you to victory in whatever you’re facing.
10. John 16:33
“I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” John 16:33.
Like the last verse, this one is for when you need a firm reminder that you have victory in Jesus. Jesus says it like it is — you’re going to face trouble during your lifetime. But you can be courageous because Jesus has overcome the world. And it’s because of this promise that you can have peace every day, whatever may come.
Send Your Support and Prayer Intentions to Catholic World Mission
Our hope is that the Catholic saint quotes and Bible verses above will serve as a lasting encouragement to you as you live your life. At Catholic World Mission, inspiration quotes like these motivate us to empower people in need worldwide while sharing the truth of God.
We humbly ask that you donate to our mission today so we can reach more people with lasting help and encouragement. Together, we can inspire positive change in the world. We also invite you to send us your prayer intentions if you’d like us to lift your requests to God in prayer. Doing so would be our honor.
