The fruits of the earth are not brought to perfection immediately, but by time, rain and care; similarly, the fruits of men ripen through ascetic practice, study, time, perseverance, self-control and patience.
–Saint Anthony of Egypt (c. 251-356)
Someone asked Abba Anthony, “What must one do in order to please God?” The old man replied, “Pay attention to what I tell you: whoever you may be, always have God before your eyes; whatever you do, do it according to the testimony of the holy Scriptures; in whatever place you live, do not easily leave it. Keep these three precepts and you will be saved.”
–Saint Anthony of Egypt (c. 251-356)
Follow the saints, because those who follow them will become saints.
–Saint Clement (First Century)
If God does not desire me to be a saint, He would not have created me a reasonable being.
–Saint Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868)
You must be holy in the way that God asks you to be holy. God does not ask you to be a Trappist monk or a hermit. He wills that you sanctify the world and your everyday life.
–Saint Vincent Pallotti (1795-1850)
In all your acts, in all your works, in all your behavior, imitate the good; be a competitor of the saints, keep your eye on the heroism of the martyrs, follow the example of the just. It is my wish that the life and teachings of the saints be for you an encouragement to virtue.
–Saint Isidore of Seville (c. 560-636)
