When you see the storm coming, if you seek safety in that firm refuge which is Mary, there will be no danger of your wavering or going down.

To begin is easy; to persevere is sanctity.- Let your perseverance not be a blind consequence of the first impulse, the work of inertia: let it be a reflective perseverance.

Put your heart aside. Duty comes first. But when fulfilling your duty, put your heart into it. It helps.

Don't say, "That person bothers me." Think: "That person sanctifies me".

To begin is for everyone. To persevere is for saints.

It's true he was a sinner. But don't pass so final a judgement. Have pity in your heart and don't forget that he may yet be an Augustine, while you remain just another mediocrity.

Is it not true that your gloominess and bad temper are due to your lack of determination in breaking the subtle snares laid by your own disordered desires? The daily examination of conscience is an indispensible help if we are to follow our Lord with sincerity of heart and integrity of life.