The Church wants us to understand that as he came once into the world in the flesh, so now, if we remove all barriers, he is ready to come to us again at any minute or hour, to make his home spiritually within us in all his grace.
–Saint Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)
Moreover the strongest support is provided not only to protect the young from evil, but also to rouse them and attract them more easily and gently to the performance of good works. Like the twigs of plants, the young are easily influenced, as long as someone works to change their souls. But if they are allowed to grow hard, we know well that the possibility of one day bending them diminishes a great deal and is sometimes utterly lost.
–Saint Joseph Calasanz (1556-1648)
This Spirit, the dispenser of the treasures that are in the Father and keeper of the counsels that are between the Father and the Son, pours himself so sweetly into the soul that he is not perceived, and his greatness is understood by few.
–Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi (1566-1607)
Anxiety is a temptation in itself and also the source from and by which other temptations come.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them — every day begin the task anew.
— Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
To remain stationary for a long time is impossible. The man who makes no gain loses the little he has gained. The man who does not climb upward goes down the ladder. The man who does not vanquish is himself vanquished. Our life is lived amid perilous battles. If we do not fight we perish, but we cannot resist without winning, nor can we win without a victory.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
