Cease troubling about these fears, then, sisters; and never pay heed to such matters of popular opinion. This is no time for believing everyone; believe only those whom you see modeling their lives on the life of Christ. Endeavor always to have a good conscience; practice humility; despise all worldly things; and believe firmly in the teaching of our Holy Mother Church.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
How different are all the saints! In heaven the greatest doctor of the church will sit down with a little child.
–Saint Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897)
Let everything take second place to our care of our children, our bringing them up to the discipline and instruction of the Lord. If from the beginning we teach them to love true wisdom, they will have great wealth and glory than riches can provide. If a child learns a trade, or is highly educated for a lucrative profession, all this is nothing compared to the art of detachment from riches; if you want to make your child rich, teach him this. He is truly rich who does not desire great possessions, or surround himself with wealth, but who requires nothing…Don’t think that only monks need to learn the Bible; Children about to go our into the world stand in greater need of Scriptural knowledge.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
This life is only a journey to the happy life to come. We must march on as a band of brothers and sisters, companions united in meekness, peace and love.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
We should even go beyond doing what is required in order to avoid scandal.
–Saint Basil the Great (330-379)
It is the custom of the Roman Church which I unworthily serve with the help of God, to tolerate some things, to turn a blind eye to some, following the spirit of discretion rather than the rigid letter of the law.
–Saint Gregory (VII) (c. 1020-1085)
