How often I failed in my duty to God, because I was not leaning on the strong pillar of prayer.

Untilled soil, however fertile it may be, will bear thistles and thorns; so it is with man's mind.

Be gentle to all and stern with yourself.

The important thing is not to think much but to love much; do, then, whatever most arouses you to love.

While the soul is in mortal sin, nothing can profit it; none of its good works merit an eternal reward, since they do not proceed from God as their first principle, and by Him alone is our virtue real virtue.

Suffering is a great favor. Remember that everything soon comes to an end . . . and take courage. Think of how our gain is eternal.

It is here, my daughters, that love is to be found - not hidden away in corners but in the midst of occasions of sin. And believe me, although we may more often fail and commit small lapses, our gain will be incomparably the greater.