Have you ever paused before closing a card or letter because you weren't sure how to end it? Letter closings can be so much more than a formality; they can be mini-blessings, acts of humility, and expressions of love for God and others.
Here are 9 ways the saints signed their lettersโand how you can too!
1. "I am yours in the Heart of Jesus,"ย โ St. Zelie Martin
St. Zรฉlie wrote with the tenderness of a mother, the devotion of a wife, and the steady heart of a woman who trusted deeply in Godโs providence. Her lettersโoften written in the midst of daily duties, illness, and griefโradiated affection without self-centeredness. She poured herself out for her family, and even her closings reflect that: loving, sincere, and anchored in Jesus. They were never about eloquenceโthey were about offering her whole heart, in Him.
Ideas inspired by St. Zelie: "With all my love and prayers, in Jesusโ name," "With all my love and every blessing",ย "May we be ever united in the Heart of Jesus," "In Jesus, I am yours," "I am, with all my heart, yours in Jesus," andย "With all the affection of my heart, in Jesus' love,".
2.ย "May Jesus bless you," โ Padre Pio (St. Pio of Pietrelcina)
Padre Pio's life was one of deep prayer and suffering. His letters, often filled with spiritual guidance, were steeped tenderness for his spiritual children.ย His desire was always for Jesus to reign in the hearts of those he loved and served.
"May the Lord bless you and keep you in His love," "May Jesus be always in your heart," and "Praying for you with all my heart,"
3. "In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary,"ย โ St. Thรฉrรจse of Lisieux
St. Thรฉrรจse saw herself as a little soul, unworthy yet totally trusting in Godโs love. She signed many of her letters entrusting both herself and her recipients to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. What a sweet, simple, and prayerful way to place everything in their hands!
Ideas inspired by St. Thรฉrรจse: "May you know Godโs love in every little joy," "Trusting in Godโs plan for us, I remain yours," "In His Joy," "Only Joy," "Yours in love and littleness," and "All is grace,"
4. "Yours in Christ crucified," โ St. Catherine of Siena
St. Catherine of Sienaโs spirituality was centered on intense love for Christ, especially His Passion. Fiery and fearless, St. Catherine never watered down the Cross. She often reminded others that union with Christ meant union with His Passion too.
Ideas inspired by St. Catherine: "In the Most Precious Blood of Christ, I remain yours," Yours in the Most Precious Blood of Christ," and "In the love of Jesus Crucified, who knows our every sorrow,"
5. "God alone," โ St. Louis de Montfort
This wasnโt just a sign-off for St. Louisโit was his lifeโs cry. โGod aloneโ emanated through his preaching, his pen, and his passionate devotion to Jesus through Mary. His letters often ended abruptly, stripped of pleasantries, as if anything more would distract from the One who mattered most.
Ideas inspired by St. Louis de Montfort: "To Jesus through Mary," "Ever yours in sweet service of the Heavenly Queen," and "See you in the Eucharist,"
6. "From your unworthy servant," โ St. John Vianney
The Curรฉ of Ars saw himself as the least of all, and his letters reflected it. His closing words reflected the same humility that shaped his entire priesthoodโhidden, simple, and sacrificial. St. John Vianney often wept in the confessional and fasted for souls, and his letters carried that same spirit: no need for eloquence, just deep reverence and a heart bowed low before God and others.
Ideas inspired by St. John Vianney: "May Jesus Christ be your joy, your strength, and your crown," "Hidden in His Sacred Heart," and "Let's be saints,"
7. "Affectionately in Christ," โ St. John Paul II
With the tenderness of a spiritual father and the clarity of a theologian, St. John Paul II wrote from a heart profoundly attuned to the dignity and beauty of each person. His closingsโgentle, warm, and personalโreflected his deep affection for the people he served and his unshakable unity with Christ. Whether addressing bishops or children, world leaders or the suffering, his words were never distant. In his letters, as in his life, he saw each person as a gift. His sign-offs werenโt mere formalityโthey were pastoral embraces, rooted in the love of Jesus.
Ideas inspired by St. John Paul II: "Totus Tuus," "Totally yours," "Totally yours in the Heart of Mary," "Entrusting you to the Immaculate Heart of Mary," "Be not afraid, for He is with you," "In the peace and joy of the Risen Christ," "With confidence in His Divine Mercy," and "Accompanying you in prayer,"
8. "I love you with the love of Christ,"ย โ Mother Teresa (St. Teresa of Calcutta)
Mother Teresa saw herself as nothing more than a pen in Godโs hand, writing love letters to a hurting world. Her words, simple yet profound, carried the weight of a life completely surrendered to God. Her closing words often reflected her desire to love as Christ.
Ideas inspired by Mother Teresa: "Yours in the love of Jesus," and "In Jesus' love and mine," "With a cheerful heart," and "With a grateful heart"
9. "I am, and ever shall be, your faithful servant in Christ,"ย โ St. Thomas More
St. Thomas More saw himself as a humble servant of God, even in the midst of his position as a statesman and scholar. He often described himself as the servant of Christ, committed to truth, justice, and faith, regardless of personal cost. His closings were humble, yet brimming with love.
Ideas inspired by St. Thomas More: "All in God's perfect time," Trusting in Godโs providence," "Praying we may meet merrily in Heaven," "In service of the King," and "In the mercy of God, your true friend,"
Signing Off Like a Saint
Whether you're sending a birthday card, a note of encouragement, or even just a quick message to a friendโyour closing words are more than a formality. They're an opportunity to bless, build up, encourage, empathize with, and to share the love of Christ and His Church. Who knew that in just a few short words, you could share your faith and love like the saints?
โจ What would you add? What's your favorite way to end a letter? Comment below to let us know!
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