Whoever from deep within her noble and zealous heart wishes to take up the cross, let her first take up the arms necessary for such battles; first is diligence; second, distrust of self; third, confidence in God; fourth, memory of his Passion; fifth, memory of one’s own death; sixth, memory of the glory of God; seventh and last, the authority of Holy Scripture following the example of Christ Jesus in the desert.
–Saint Catharine of Bologna (1413-1463)
Take care lest the children of this world spend more care and attention on transitory things than you do on seeking those that are eternal.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
There is no better wood for feeding the fire of God’s love than the wood of the Cross.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
Blessed will you be if you persevere in the exercise you have chosen and follow your vocation, not wandering to and fro and changing your mind. If you fluctuate too much you will be like a plant that does not thrive because it is often transplanted. Do not be negligent or renounce what you have begun; then you will abide in your calling as the Apostle advises, not passing from house to house, but remaining in one, as our Lord bade his disciples.
–Francisco de Osuna (1497-1541)
From heaven even the most miserable life will look like one bad night at an inconvenient hotel.
–Saint Theresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Remind yourself that the graces and benefits of prayer are not like water welling up from the earth, but more like water coming down from heaven; therefore, all our efforts cannot produce them, though it is true that we must ready ourselves to receive them with great care, yet humbly and peacefully. We must keep our hearts open and wait for the heavenly dew to fall.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
