Be slow to speak, and only after having first listened quietly, so that you may understand the meaning, leanings, and wishes of those who do speak. Thus you will better know when to speak and when to be silent.
— Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
It is characteristic of the good spirit to give courage and strength, consolation, tears, inspiration, and peace, making things easy and removing all obstacles so that the soul may make further progress in good works.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
Here is the difference between the joys of the world and the cross of Jesus Christ: after having tasted the first, one is disgusted with them; and on the contrary, the more one partakes of the cross, the greater the thirst for it.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
When the devil wants to attack anyone, he first of all looks to see on what side his defenses are weakest or in worst order; then he moves up his artillery to make a breach at that spot.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
A man who finds the path to virtue difficult, yet sets out on it bravely to conquer himself, gains double the reward of those whose mild and slothful nature gives them no trouble.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
Whatever graces from God you find in yourself, look upon as gold and gems that the goodness of God the goldsmith has mercifully created out of wood fit only for the fire.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
