Page 12 - VOWS AND ACT

I will give the poor as much material help as I can. I will
do my best to find out those who are really needy, and on
them I will be most lavish in my charity. I will deprive myself of
all that is superfluous in food as well as in clothing, and limit
myself to what is strictly necessary so as to help the poor with
it; and if at any time I should go hungry for their sake I will be
glad of it, and I promise I will do it. If I come to know of a real
need, but I myself cannot meet it, I will not be ashamed to beg
for them and by all means try to help them.

My dear Jesus, I promise you all this; indeed, assisted
by your grace, I vow to do it. On your part, I beg of you,
strengthen me in my weakness. I am the poorest instrument,
unworthy and incapable of anything: if you want anything from
me, you must do it all yourself, otherwise I will spoil all your
most marvellous works. But I beg of you, let your power rule
me; show how in your all-powerful hands the poorest

instrument can do the most marvellous things. I do not rely on
myself at all, but I have full trust in you. This sweet confidence
enlivens me and gives me courage, instilling in me the hope of
obtaining everything from you.
Yes, my God, I will never rely on myself but always count on
you. In dealing with the most difficult, tiresome or even
hopeless works, I trust that through your loving kindness I will
happily succeed. Sustained by this sweet confidence I will
dare, in case of real need, to face danger, knowing for certain
that you take care of your handmaid and will not let her come
to any harm. Help me, good Jesus, for I do want to dedicate

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