Corporal Works of Mercy
"Faith without works is dead." James, Chapter 2
Feed the Hungry
St. Vincent de Paul (1581 to 1660) , founder of the Congregation of the Mission and the Daughters of Charity, was a priest who served the poor and devoted his life to living the Works of Mercy. His work is still alive today all over the world in numerous Vincent de Paul societies and many religious communities who trace the roots of their vocation to him.
Give Drink to the Thirsty
Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997), Founder of the Missionaries of Charity, was a Roman Catholic sister and missionary dedicated to helping the poor and sick. Working among the poorest of the poor, she recognized they were Christ in disguise. She won the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian good deeds.
Clothe the Naked
Servant of God Dorothy Day (1897-1980) was an American journalist, activist and devout Catholic convert. As a young woman she led a sinful life, but was able to change her life based on the Works of Mercy. She tackled issues of social justice, was an advocate for the poor and the rights of workers in the work place.
Shelter the Homeless
St. John Bosco (1815-1888) founded the Association of Salesians Cooperators. St. John dedicated his life to the betterment & education of street children & juvinile delinquents. He developed teaching methods based on love rather than punishment in his works of Mercy.
Comfort the Sick
St. Damian, Joseph De Veuster, (1840-1889) was a Belgian priest sent to Hawaii as a missionary. He has been described as a 'martyr of charity' for his missionary work to people with leprosy that were required to live in a government sanctioned quarantine on Molokai, Hawaii.
Visit the Imprisoned
St. Leonard of Noblac (died 559) is a Frankish saint of France. He was a Frankish noble man who converted to christianity and convinced the king to allow him to free prisoners he felt were wrongly accused. He gave parcels of his forest land to the freed prisoners to clear & make ready for the labors of the fields so that they would have the means to live an honest life.
Bury the Dead
St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1389) is only one of the four women Doctors of the Catholic Church. Catherine was a tertiary of the Dominican Order who dedicated much of her life to helping the ill and the poor. She took care of them in prisons and homes hoping to persuade them to make their peace with God and ensured all that died were given a proper Christian burial. She worked hard to bring peace and Mercy.
SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY
"Come to me, all you grown weary and burdened, and I will refresh you." Mt 11:28
Instruct the Ignorant
"Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation." (Mk. 16:1)
Counsel the Doubtful
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you....Let not your hearts be troubled..." (Jn. 14:27)
Admonish Sinners
...there will be more joy in Heaven at the repentance of one sinner than at ninety-nine of the righteous who has no need of repentance." (Lk 15:7).
Bear Wrongs Patiently
"...Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you." (Lk 6:27-28)
Forgive Offenses Willingly
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." (Mt. 6:12)
Comfort the Afflicted
"Come to me, all you grown weary and burdened, and I will refresh you." (Mt 11:28)
Pray for the Living and the Dead
"Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." (Mt 5:4)