Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.

The wicked exist in this world either to be converted or that through them the good may exercise patience.

Angels are spirits, but it is not because they are spirits that they are angels. They become angels when they are sent. For the name angel refers to their office, not their nature. You ask the name of this nature, it is spirit; you ask its office, it is that of an Angel, which is a messenger.

Our life is a gymnasium of desire.... When Christians say "God," what do we wish to express? This word is all that we yearn for."

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.

God bestows more consideration on the purity of the intention with which our actions are performed than on the actions themselves.

Conscience and reputation are two things. Conscience is due to yourself, reputation to your neighbour.