He who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exemplify the highest things.
Pope Gregory IWhoever wishes to hold the fortress of contemplation must first of all train in the camp of action.
Pope Gregory IThe pastor should always be pure in thought ... no impurity ought to pollute him who has undertaken the office of wiping away the stains in the hearts of others ... for the hand that would cleanse from dirt must be clean, lest, being itself sordid with clinging mire, it soil whatever it touches all the more.
Pope Gregory I