The soul is like a ship: sometimes it is sunk by a mighty swell from without, sometimes from within because the bilge is overflowing. So too are we sometimes lost through sinful practices on the outside, sometimes defiled by logismoi [evil thoughts] within. So we must watch out for the attacks of the spirits from outside and drain off the impurities of the logismoi within.
–Saint Synkletike (a Desert Mother) (d. 350)
You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; in just the same way, you learn to love by loving.
–Saint Francis De Sales (1567-1622)
That every man might be intimately united with his goodness, he instituted the Sacrament of most holy Eucharist, in which every one may participate, to unite his Savior to himself really and by way of food… This sacramental union urges us and aids us towards spiritual union.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
When you have received Him, stir up your heart to do Him homage; speak to Him about your spiritual life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness; welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in such a way that your actions may give proof to all of His Presence.
–Saint Francis de Sales, (1567-1622)
The sovereigns of the earth do not always grant audience readily; on the contrary, the King of Heaven, hidden under the eucharistic veils, is ready to receive anyone.
–Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
The bread that you see on the altar is the Body of Christ as soon as it is sanctified by God’s word. The chalice, or better what is contained in the chalice, is the Blood of Christ as soon as it is sanctified by God’s word.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
