Is any man skillful enough to have fashioned himself?

The sufficiency of my merit is to know that my merit is not sufficient.

Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity.

I learned most, not from those who taught me but from those who talked with me.

Every day my conscience makes confession relying on the hope of Your mercy as more to be trusted than its own innocence.

The Lord says, 'Whoever has, to him shall be given' (Mt. 13:12). He will give, then, to those who have; that is to say, if they use freely and cheerfully what they have received, He will add to and perfect His gifts.

Give what You command and command what You will.