Prayer opens the understanding to the brightness of Divine Light, and the will to the warmth of Heavenly Love – nothing can so effectually purify the mind from its many ignorances, or the will from its perverse affections. It is as a healing water which causes the roots of our good desires to send forth fresh shoots, which washes away the soul’s imperfections, and allays the thirst of passion.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
We maintain that we may pray for the faithful departed, and that the prayers and good works of the living greatly relieve them and are profitable to them for this reason: that all those who die in the grace of God – and consequently, in the number of the elect – do not go to Paradise at the very first moment, but many go to Purgatory…from which our prayers and good works can help and serve to deliver them.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Every moment is crammed with infinite riches which are given us according to the extent of our faith and love.
–Jean-Pierre de Caussade (1675-1751)
Don’t be afraid of temptations. God permits them to refine your humility and to lay deep foundations for the lofty spiritual edifice that He has planned to build in your soul.
–Saint Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)
God permits that kind of temptation in order to impress you with a deeper sense of your own nothingness, and to convince you that, deprived of His grace, you would be capable of committing the most heinous crimes. Therefore act prudently, avoid all dangerous intercourse, watch over your eyes, your heart, and all your affections; be very modest, be circumspect in all your actions, by night as well as by day; love holy modesty.
— Saint Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)
Nothing but self-will can separate us from God.
–Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
