Even if no command to pray had existed, our very weakness would have suggested it.

When we are truly in this interior simplicity our whole appearance is franker, more natural. This true simplicity. . . makes us conscious of a certain openness, gentleness, innocence, gaiety, and serenity. O, how amiable this simplicity is! Who will give it to me? I leave all for this. It is the pearl of the Gospel.

We must truly serve those whom we appear to command; we must bear with their imperfections, correct them with gentleness and patience, and lead them in the way to heaven.

I would have no desire other than to accomplish thy will. Teach me to pray; pray thyself in me.

He who prays without confidence cannot hope that his prayers will be granted.

Exactness and neatness in moderation is a virtue, but carried to extremes narrows the mind.

The youth who, like a woman, loves to adorn his person, has renounced all claim to wisdom and to glory; glory is due to those only who dare to associate with pain, and have trampled pleasure under their feet.