A Year with the Saints - 2 February

Humility is the mother of many virtues. From it spring obedience, holy fear, reverence, patience, modesty, mildness, and peace; for, whoever is humble easily obeys all, fears to offend any, maintains peace with all, shows himself affable to all, is submissive to all, does not offend or displease any, and does not feel the insults which may be inflicted upon him. He lives happy and contented, and in great peace. - Saint Thomas of Villanova

Here we see the reason why Saint Francis, Saint Dominic, Saint Vincent de Paul and so many others became remarkable for all the virtues above mentioned. It is because they were remarkable for humility.

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal had conceived so much affection for this virtue, that she watched over herself with !the greatest attention, in order that she might not allow even the smallest occasion of practicing it to escape. And she once said to Saint Francis de Sales, "My dearest Father, I beg you, for the love of God, help me to humble myself."

- text taken from A Year with the Saints, composed by an unknown Italian, translated by a member of the Order of Mercy; it has the Imprimatur of Archbishop Michael Augustine Corrigan, Archdiocese of New York, New York, 21 January 1891