It is proper to ask for sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, tears and deep grief because of the great affliction Christ endures for me.

The safest and most suitable form of penance seems to be that which causes pain in the flesh but does not penetrate to the bones, that is, which causes suffering but not sickness.

A religious ought to dread more being afraid of poverty than experiencing it.

If anyone asks you for something that you believe would be injurious to him, refuse, but in such a manner as not to lose his good-will.

The acknowledgment of and gratitude for favors and gifts received is loved and esteemed in Heaven and on earth.

The principal end both of my father and of myself in the conquest of India... has been the propagation of the holy Catholic faith.

Spiritual infirmities such as tepidity are caused, not only by chills but also by fevers, that is, by excessive zeal.