Men do not fear a powerful hostile army as the powers of hell fear the name and protection of Mary.

Men do not fear a powerful hostile army as the powers of hell fear the name and protection of Mary.

Mary seeks for those who approach her devoutly and with reverence, for such she loves, nourishes, and adopts as her children.

To know much and taste nothing-of what use is that?

The best perfection of a religious man is to do common things in a perfect manner. A constant fidelity in small things is a great and heroic virtue.

Not only do they offend thee, O Lady, who outrage thee, but thou art also offended by those who neglect to ask thy favors ... He who neglects the service of the Blessed Virgin will die in his sins ... He who does not invoke thee, O Lady, will never get to Heaven ... Not only will those from whom Mary turns her countenance not be saved, but there will be no hope of their salvation ... No one can be saved without the protection of Mary.

In beautiful things St. Francis saw Beauty itself, and through His vestiges imprinted on creation he followed his Beloved everywhere, making from all things a ladder by which he could climb up and embrace Him who is utterly desirable.