[R]est assured that, when you remain thus in the state in which obedience has placed you, the merit of this same obedience extends over everything you do, giving each action inestimable value, even when things do not turn out as you wish.

I have never made any distinction between those who have taken vows and those who have not; some should not be overburdened in order to spare others.

People are made in such a way that even the holiest ones are liable to offend one another.

[P]resent misfortune presupposes good luck in the future.

If you no longer have any income, you will not be neglected-you will not starve to death. . . . We panic at first, but God does not always allow the evil that is feared to happen.

You can give me no greater consolation nor render greater service to your neighbor than to place yourself in a condition to serve him for a long time

God has granted me today a very particular fondness for requesting of Him that same virtue of ever choosing the worst and that which is contrary to my own liking.