It is the mark of a mean, vulgar and ignoble spirit to dwell on the thought of food before meal times or worse to dwell on it afterwards, to discuss it and wallow in the remembered pleasures of every mouthful. Those whose minds dwell before dinner on the spit, and after on the dishes, are fit only to be scullions.

It is right that you should begin again every day. There is no better way to complete the spiritual life than to be ever beginning it over again.

The merit of the cross does not consist in its heaviness, but in the manner in which we carry it. I would even say that it is sometimes more virtuous to carry a cross of straw than a heavy cross because we have to be more attentive for fear of losing it.

There is no better means of attainment to the spiritual life Than by continually beginning again.

It is wonderful how attractive a gentle, pleasant manner is, and how much it wins hearts.

When charity requires it we must freely and mildly communicate to our neighbor not only what is his instruction, but also what is profitable for his consolation.

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.