The humility, love and joy which mark the lives of Tertiaries are all God-given graces.  They can never be obtained by human effort.  They are gifts of the Holy Spirit.  The purpose of Christ is to work miracles through people who are willing to be emptied of self and to surrender to him.  We then become channels of grace through whom his mighty work is done.

The First Note

Humility
We always keep before us the example of Christ, who emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and who, on the last night of his life, humbly washed his disciples’ feet.  We likewise seek to serve one another with humility.

The Second Note

Love
Love is the distinguishing feature of all true disciples of Christ who wish to dedicate themselves to him as his servants.
Therefore, we seek to love all those to whom we are bound by ties of family or friendship.  Our love for them increases, as our love for Christ grows deeper.

The Third Note

Joy
Tertiaries, rejoicing in the Lord always, show in our lives the grace and beauty of divine joy.  We mix freely with all people, ready to bind up the broken-hearted and to bring joy into the lives of others.  We carry within us an inner peace and happiness which others may perceive, even if they do not know its source. This joy is a divine gift, coming from union with God in Christ.