The Road of Hope Quotes

“273. In order to hold on firmly to your faith, you must choose the Road of Hope followed by the disciples of Christ and not the road to death offered by the world. 274. Many people today repeatedly assert, “I”
― Van Thuan, Francis Xavier Nguyen, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“865 If you win the hearts of your co-workers they will follow you energetically and devotedly, because they know that you love them sincerely and deeply, and that you would willingly make sacrifices for them. If you do not lead them with love you will have to employ the worst method - force.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“851 A leader must be brave and calm in the face of unexpected events, whenever or wherever they may come. If the leader achieves these qualities, the severest of challenges will be overcome.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“863 Try to put yourself in the position of your co-workers. Exchange points of view with them as a friend, treat them warmly, let them see that you are interested in them, and that you understand them. Such a kindly attitude will inspire them to love and trust you.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“473 Love is not blind. Love sees the weakness of the beloved and tries to shoulder his or her burdens. Likewise love sees the abilities of the beloved and subtly encourages his or her potential.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“644 Every day the press emphasizes sensational events and political upheavals. You should be aware of these events in order to share in humanity’s anxieties. These should have a positive effect. They should urge you to build a new world in which the press will not find such events to report on. You have to build the kingdom of God right now in this world with all the means at your disposal.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“538 If you are always morose, pessimistic, and complaining, people will begin to doubt the eloquent advice you constantly offer. Seeing your example, would they be able to put their faith in the God you witness to?”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“839 If you cannot overcome a spirit of pessimism, a despondent attitude, or a shy disposition, do not be a leader.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“819 Everyone who goes to the top of a Manhattan skyscraper praises its construction, but few stop to consider that the foundation which supports this edifice is built upon individual steel beams, pieces of gravel, and grains of sand.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“842 Welcome all opinions, but do not depend only on opinions.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“848 Your criticism of superiors dampens zeal and creates division among co-workers. It also opens the way for them to be critical of your methods and to find fault with you.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“858 If you are a leader who lacks the ability to lead, you you will not only suffer the loss of prestige, but you will also lack credibility.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“859 Do not demand that your leader possess every conceivable talent, because you will never find such an ideal leader. However, if you should become a leader, you will have to develop your talents to the fullest.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“861 Each individual person is a mystery. If you wish to be a leader, you will need to know all your co-workers, their needs, their interests, their temperaments, and their reactions. You will also need to make an exact assessment of their abilities and determine the right position for each one.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“864 The honors you receive will not be medals to hang on your chest, citations to frame for your walls, or laudatory speeches. Your work as a leader will be etched in the hearts and on the faces of your co-workers.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“885 Looking at the past to lament it is useless. Looking at the past to be proud of results is dangerous. Looking at the past to learn from it is wise.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“897 “Leave it till later” is sometimes a wise response, but it is often an excuse used by the procrastinator, or the disillusioned.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“928 During the most glorious events of our Lord’s public life - his transfiguration on Mount Tabor and his entry into Jerusalem - Mary remained hidden. But at times of gravest danger - the flight into Egypt, the way of the cross to Calvary, her sorrowful watch at the foot of the cross, and her vigil in the upper room with the apostles - Mary courageously chose to be present. She did not live for herself, but only for the Lord and his work of redemption.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“A straight line consists of an infinite number of little points joined together. Similarly, a lifetime consists of millions of minutes and seconds joined together. If every single point in the line is set correctly, the line will be straight. If every minute of a lifetime is well used, the life will be holy. The Road of Hope is paved with small acts of hope along the way. A life of hope is born of every minute of a lifetime that is lived in hope.”
― Francis Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“834 The leader is one who knows, desires, and carries out a mission and who simultaneously stimulates others to know, desire and carry out that mission.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“821 A particular task may seem small, but by virtue of the sweat and tears involved in its execution, it is made precious. The work may be quite ordinary, but through dedicated love it becomes important. A devoted son may continue to wear a very old woollen jacket, refusing to exchange it for a newer, more expensive one, because every stitch of wool in that garment is a sign of his mother’s love for him.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“754 You would regard as absurd a day-laborer who criticised the instructions of the engineer in a building project or a construction worker who criticised an architect’s plans for the building of a house, or a medical assistant who criticised a surgeon’s directions. Why then do you criticise your superiors who have more factors to consider than you can imagine?”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“753 You maintain that there must be dialogue, yet refuse to allow anyone to express ideas contrary to your own. Such a dialogue is limited by a fixed agenda, or more correctly, it is two monologues.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“747 You cannot know the extent of damage someone may cause when in a drunken state, whether it be in the form of an accident, physical violence, or arson. In the same way, when you are filled with the desire for revenge, your powers of perception become even more impaired.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“744 You should not be angry when others criticise you; rather, you ought to be thankful that they do not mention any other faults or failings you have!”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“505 The first seminary, the first formation program, the first college is the Catholic family. No director, however talented or skilled, can replace parents. If this most fundamental unit breaks down, the future of the Church and of human society becomes shaky and risks collapse. On the day he turned fifty, Pope John XXIII wrote in a letter to his parents, “Dear Mom and Dad, today I have reached fifty years of age. God has given me many positions in the Church, I have been to many places, I have studied much, but no school has given me more instruction or has been more beneficial to me than that which I received when I sat on your laps.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“410 When you look only at yourself and feel deprived, you can begin to think that you are the most miserable person in the world. When you look at others, you will see how, many people are worse off than yourself.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“329 The contemporary struggle of women for recognition in the Church should not be necessary. The apostles gave women recognized roles in the work of the early Church. Paul writes: “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon in the church at Cenchreae. Receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and help her with anything she may need from you, for she has been a benefactor to many people, including myself. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their own necks to save my life, and not only I but also the Gentile churches thank them” (Rom 16:1-4).”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“199 Do not confuse cowardice with prudence. It is because so many people have this kind of “wisdom” that darkness prevails in so many situations.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison

“198 To exploit people in order to advance your own interests is unworthy of a leader. You will be a worthy leader if you do not distance yourself from people, but mingle with them and risk yourself for their sake.”
― François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison