We must be full reservoirs in order to let our water spill out without becoming empty, and we must possess the spirit with which we want them to be animated, for no one can give what he does not have.

. . . [A]s a rule, the most learned persons do not produce the greatest results. We see that only too often.

Ultimately, Monsieur, we must go to God per infamiam et bonam famam [whether spoken of well or ill], and His Divine Goodness is merciful to us when it pleases Him to allow us to encounter blame and public contempt. I am sure you have borne patiently the embarrassment you experienced because of what has happened. If the glory of the world is nothing but smoke, the contrary is a solid good, when it is accepted in the right way. I hope that great good will come to us from this humiliation.

We should spend as much time in thanking God for his benefits as we do in asking him for them.

The angels would become incarnate if they could, so that they might come to earth to imitate the example and virtues of the Son of God!

In this way, through experience they will be formed adequately, will be encouraged, and will be capable of rendering service to God.

One beautiful diamond is worth more than a mountain of stones, and one virtuous act of acquiescence and submission is better than an abundance of good works done for others.