For, as I said a little way back, perfect souls are in no way repelled by trials, but rather desire them and pray for them and love them. They are like soldiers: the more wars there are, the better they are pleased, because they hope to emerge from them with the greater riches.
Teresa of AvilaI had a father and mother, who were devout and feared God. Our Lord also helped me with His grace. All this would have been enough to make me good, if I had not been so wicked.
Teresa of AvilaHow often I failed in my duty to God, because I was not leaning on the strong pillar of prayer.
Teresa of Avila