Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

If we fly from God, it is because His Goodness is our reproach and because union with Him demands disunion and divorce from evil. - 

Saint Rose of Lima (1586-1617)

If only mortals would learn how great it is to possess divine grace, how beautiful, how noble, how precious. How many riches it hides within itself, how many joys and delights! No one would complain about his cross or about troubles that may happen to him, if he would come to know the scales on which they are weighed when they are distributed to men. - 

Saint Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga (1901-1952)

Christ has made himself our neighbor or rather; our neighbor is Christ who presents himself under one or another form: a patient among the sick, a needy man among beggars, a prisoner among the incarcerated, the heartbroken among those who weep. If we do not see him it is because our faith is lukewarm. To separate our neighbor from Christ is to separate light from light. He who loves Christ is obliged to love his neighbor with all his heart, with all is mind, with all his strength. 

Pope Saint Pius X (1835-1914)

My hope is in Christ, who strengthens the weakest by His Divine help. I can do all in Him who strengthens me. His Power is infinite, and if I lean on him, it will be mine. His Wisdom is infinite, and if I look to Him for counsel, I shall not be deceived. His Goodness is infinite, and if my trust is stayed in Him, I shall not be abandoned. 

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1170)

Of all the movements, sensations and feelings of the soul, love is the only one in which the creature can respond to the Creator and make some sort of similar return however unequal though it be. 

Saint John Eudes (1601-1680)

The Christian life is a continuation and completion of the life of Christ in us. We should be so many Christs here on earth, continuing His life and His works, laboring and suffering in a holy and divine manner in the spirit of Jesus. 

Saint Jeanne de Chantal (1572-1841)

There is no danger if our prayer is without words or reflection because the good success of prayer depends neither on words nor on study. It depends upon the simple raising of our minds to God, and the more simple and stripped of feeling it is, the surer it is. 

Saint John Climacus

Let us try to learn Divine Truth more by toil and sweat than by mere word, for at the time of our departure it's not words but deeds that have to shown. 

Father Isaac Hecker

The One who called you has got to do the big work both in you and in the one to whom you come. The common factor is the One who called all.

 

Romans 10:14-15

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" [Isaiah 52:7]

 

Father Isaac Hecker

Most of our troubles arise from unreal causes. They are the effects of exaggerations, or inordinate desires, or mistaken view of honor or duty. Would we only be willing to see things as they are, and be willing to be just what we are, we should find more good in the world, and in creation, than some religious writers would be willing to acknowledge.

 

Romans 8:35,37

What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.

Father Isaac Hecker

If, then, we would be wise, we must drink from the fountain source. How blind and foolish are those who arrest themselves at anything, however precious and good it may appear, when they can obtain possession of Him who is the Creator and God of all, the Infinite! Who can behold God and desire to regard anything else? Who that knows God can study anything else? Who that has tasted of God's love can desire any other? Who that has experienced His presence can wish for anything but solitude?

 

1 Corinthians 2:11

For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

Father Isaac Hecker

The individuality of a man cannot be too strong, or his liberty too great, when he is guided by the Spirit of God. But when one is easily influenced from below rather than from above, it is an evidence of the spirit of pride and that of the flesh, and not "the liberty of the glory of the children of God."

Romans 8:5,18,21

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires....I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us... the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

 

Father Isaac Hecker

The baptized man is baptized in his whole nature, animal, human and celestial; his whole nature is regenerated. Who dares call that unclean which God has pronounced clean.

 

Galatians 3:26-27

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

 

Father Isaac Hecker

 

He who interprets the acts of legitimate authority as an attack on his personal liberty, is as far out of the way as he who looks upon the exercise of reason as an attack on authority.

 

1 Corinthians 10:23

"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.

Father Isaac Hecker

The Holy Spirit in the external authority of the Church acts as the infallible interpreter and criterion of divine revelation. The Holy Spirit in the soul acts as the Divine Life-Giver and Sanctifier.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:8

Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

 

Father Isaac Hecker

The wisest man goes astray when he takes a single step without God.

 

Ephesians 5:10-11

Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.  Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them.

Father Isaac Hecker

Intelligence and liberty are the human environments most favorable to the deepening of personal conviction of religious truth, and obedience to the interior movements of an enlightened conscience. To a well-ordered mind the question of the hour is how the soul which aspires to the supernatural life shall utilize the advantages of liberty and intelligence.

 

2 Corinthians 3:17

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Father Isaac Hecker

Every sin that we commit, every virtue we omit, we are weakened and deprived of that strength which it is our privilege to have and to enjoy.

 

Romans 8:26

The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness....

 

 

Father Isaac Hecker

Many Christians, and really good Christians, as things go, consider that the whole of their religious duties are fulfilled in going regularly to Holy Mass, in approaching the sacrament of confession and in receiving Holy Communion, in fidelity to their daily prayers, and beyond these they seldom look. When they have accomplished these duties they think they will be perfect Christians. Now these Christians are like the one who when asked, why do you eat? And he answers, to support my life and gain strength. True, but what is your life for?  To what purpose is your strength?  Life and strength is not an end, but the means to an end.... So one might say to these Christians, [why] do you go to Holy Mass, make confession, receive holy communion, and say your daily prayers for?  You ought to have an aim in all these holy exercises, and keep it steadfastly before your mind, and employ them as means to attain and secure it...

1 Corinthians 12:7

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Father Isaac Hecker

My path is one of love to God, and all my work is cheerful labor.

 

Ephesians 5:19

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.

 

Father Isaac Hecker

What is it to follow Christ? What an invitation! Did you ever reflect upon the life of Christ?, what it is? Jesus was poor. Jesus was a virgin. The life of Jesus was one of self-denial. Here we have in the Gospel not only the sanction of the life of the class of men we spoke of, but, in the Founder of Christianity the Model of that life.

 

Romans 15:1-3,5-6

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." ... May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

Father Isaac Hecker

Sometimes when I speak to souls in this Holy Sacrament [of Penance], I realize the words of Our Lord to be literally true: “He that heareth you, heareth Me.”  For it seems to me that I am only the passive, yet conscious organ of His Divine voice to their souls.

2 Corinthians 4:13

It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." [Psalm 116:10] With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak.

 

 

Saint John Eudes (1601-1680)

The Christian life is a continuation and completion of the life of Christ in us. We should be so many Christs here on earth, continuing His life and His works, laboring and suffering in a holy and divine manner in the spirit of Jesus. 

Saint Jeanne de Chantal (1572-1841)

There is no danger if our prayer is without words or reflection because the good success of prayer depends neither on words nor on study. It depends upon the simple raising of our minds to God, and the more simple and stripped of feeling it is, the surer it is. 

Saint John Climacus

Let us try to learn Divine Truth more by toil and sweat than by mere word, for at the time of our departure it's not words but deeds that have to shown. 

Saint Stephen of Hungary (969-1038)

Be strong lest prosperity lift you up too much or adversity cast you down. Be humble in this life, that God may raise you up in the next. Be truly moderate and do not punish or condemn anyone immoderately. Be gentle so that you may never oppose justice. Be honorable so that you may never voluntarily bring disgrace upon anyone. Be chaste so that you may avoid all the foulness of lust like the pangs of death. 

Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941)

The most deadly poison of our times is indifference. And this happens, although the praise of God should know no limits. Let us strive, therefore, to praise Him to the greatest extent of our powers. 

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (1891-1942)

God is there in these moments of rest and can give us in a single instant exactly what we need. Then the rest of the day can take its course, under the same effort and strain, perhaps, but in peace. 

Blessed Mark of Aviano (1631-1699)

God knows that the scope of all of my works is only to do His will. My only interest is God's glory and the good of souls. 

Father Isaac Hecker

"If thou wilt be perfect." Christ does not command.... He opens a door and invites those who desire to reach the heights of Christian perfection to leave all, and come and follow Him.

 

Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 

Pope John Paul II (Beatification of Blessed Karl Leisner)

We are called against the "popular world view" illustrating that we are called to bear witness to a culture of life that finds its reward in eternal life. That we are called to "resist the culture of hatred and death regardless of the guise which it may assume. 

Saint Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)

Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Blessed be you, my God, for having created me. 

Saint Augustine

Brethren, we too must imitate Christ if we truly love him. We shall not be able to render better return on that love than by modeling our lives on his. "Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow in his steps." 

Blessed Franz Jägerstätter (1907-1943)

I can say from my own experience how painful life often is when one lives as a halfway Christian; it is more like vegetating than living. 

Father Isaac Hecker

Would those that are here remain a moment if they did not find here something greater than the world can give or take away? [There are] some who have despised their noble birth, riches, all that the world can give. Believe me, they are neither fools nor crazy, but in love with God, and God with them....

Hebrews 12:9

Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!

Father Isaac Hecker

All roads in the Church are open to woman's energies and capacities, and she knows and is conscious of this freedom; and, what is more, she is equally aware that whatever she has ability to do will receive from the Church encouragement, sanction, and that honor which is due to her labor, her devotion, and her genius.

 

Romans 16:1-6,12

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house.... Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.... Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.

 

Father Isaac Hecker

This is the most beautiful experiment in life: to pass from the service of the world to that of God!

Romans 15:17

Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.

Blessed Mary Mackillop (1842-1909)

Value your Crosses as the most precious presents from a good and loving God.

Saint Peter Claver (1581-1654)

To love God as He ought to be loved, we must be detached from all temporal love. We must love nothing but Him, or if we love anything else, we must love it only for His sake. 

St. Therese, The Little Flower

The only happiness here below is to strive to be always content with what Jesus gives us. 

St. Alphonsus Liquori

He who wills only what God wills possesses all that he desires. For whatever happens to him, happens by the will of God. - 

St. Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)

The body is the garment of the soul and it is the soul which gives life to the voice. That is why the body must raise its voice in harmony with the soul for the praise of God. 

Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

When we hear people talk of riches, honors and amusements of the world, let us remember that all things have an end, and let us then say: "My God, I wish for You alone and nothing more." 

St. Francis de Sales

Do not scrutinize so closely whether you are doing much or little, ill or well, so long as what you do is not sinful and that you are heartily seeking to do everything for God. Try as far as you can to do everything well, but when it is done, do not think about it. Try, rather, to think of what is to be done next. Go on simply in the Lord's way, and do not torment yourself. We ought to hate our faults, but with a quiet, calm hatred; not pettishly and anxiously. 

St. Cyprian of Carthage (190-258)

If we are the heirs of Christ, let us abide in the peace of Christ; if we are the sons of God, let us be lovers of peace. - 

Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

If God causes you to suffer much, it is a sign that He has great designs for you, and that He certainly intends to make you a saint. And if you wish to become a great saint, entreat Him yourself to give you much opportunity for suffering; for there is no wood better to kindle the fire of holy love than the wood of the cross, which Christ used for His own great sacrifice of boundless charity. 

St Peter Chrysologus (400-450)

There are three things, my brethren, which causes faith to stand firm, devotion to remain constant and virtue to endure. They are prayer, fasting and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains and mercy receives. Prayer, mercy and fasting are one. They give life to each other. 

St. John Francis Regis (1597-1640)

If my efforts stop just one sin from being committed, I shall consider them worthwhile. 

Father Isaac Hecker

All our difficulties are favors from God; we see them on the wrong side, and speak as the block of marble would while being chiseled by the sculptor. When God purifies the soul, it cries out just like little children do when their faces are washed. The soul's attention must be withdrawn from external, created things, and turned inward towards God exclusively before its union with Him; and this transformation is a great, painful, and wonderful work, and so much the more difficult and painful as the soul's attention has been attracted and attached to transitory things.

Romans 8:18

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.

Father Isaac Hecker

The practical aim of all true religion is to bring each individual soul under the immediate guidance of the Divine Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:10

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

Father Isaac Hecker

For it is the difficulties and hindrances that Christians find in their age which give form to their character and habits, and when mastered, become the means of divine grace and their titles of glory.

 

Romans 8:28

We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

 

Father Isaac Hecker

Although we must never forget that the immediate means of Christian perfection is the interior direction of the Holy Spirit, neither must we forget that the test of our being directed by the Holy Spirit, and not by our fancies and prejudices, is our filial obedience to the divine external authority of the Church.

2 Corinthians 11:4

For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it too easily.

 

Father Isaac Hecker

If we were more peaceful, calm, and resigned, we would see more and more clearly what God wishes of us in particular, and perceive better the supreme wisdom of His providence in its disposition of us.

 

Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 

Father Isaac Hecker

The light the age requires for its renewal can only come from the same source, the cultivation of the Holy Spirit in the individual soul. The renewal of the age depends on the renewal of religion. The renewal of religion depends upon the greater effusion of the creative and renewing power of the Holy Spirit. The greater effusion of the Holy Spirit depends on the giving of increased attention to His movements and inspirations in the soul.

 

2 Corinthians 4:7

We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.

St. Ireaneus (130 -200)

Since we consist of soul and body, both are involved in staying on the path. As either may cause us to stumble, we must attend to both: Bodily purity, the protective abstinence from all shameful things and wicked acts. And purity of the soul, keeping true faith in God, neither adding to nor subtracting from it. Godliness is dimmed when the body is soiled and loses its integrity when falsehood enters the soul.

Saint John Cassian (360-433)

Above all we ought at least to know that there are three origins of our thoughts: from God, from the devil, and from ourselves. 

St. John Chrysostom

God does not impede temptations, first, so that you may be convinced of your strength; secondly, that you may be humble, not proud; thirdly, that the devil, who may doubt whether you have really abandoned him, will be certain of that fact; fourthly, so that you may become as strong as iron, understanding the value of the treasures which have been granted to you. 

Blessed Margarita de Maturana (1884-1934)

There are moments in life of special importance such as when the Lord shows us the way to be followed and then leaves it up to our will to respond. 

Archbishop Oscar Romero (November 15, 1978)

The great need today is for Christians who are active and critical, who don't accept situations without analyzing them inwardly and deeply. We want persons like fruitful fig trees, who can say yes to justice and no to injustice and can make use of the precious gift of life, regardless of the circumstances. 

Pope John Paul II (June 10, 2004)

The Cross remains constant while the world turns. 

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi (1559-1619)

God is love, and all his operations proceed from love. Once he wills to manifest that goodness by sharing his love outside himself, then the Incarnation becomes the supreme manifestation of his goodness and love and glory.

Saint John Vianney

Oh, my children, how sad it is! Three-quarters of those who are Christians labor for nothing but to satisfy this body, which will soon be buried and corrupted, while they do not give a thought to their poor soul, which must be happy or miserable for all eternity. They have neither sense nor reason: it makes one tremble.

Saint John Climacus

In the created world fire cannot naturally be both small and great at one and the same time. Humility cannot be genuine and at one and the same time have a worldly nature. Genuine humility is not in us if we fall into voluntary sin, and this is the sign that there is some material attraction still within us.

Venerable Cardinal John Henry Newman

Prayer and fasting have been called the wings of the soul, and they who neither fast nor pray cannot follow Christ. They cannot lift up their hearts. Great, then, is the contrast between the many and those holy and blessed souls who rise with Christ and set their affection on things above.

Saint Augustine

God commended obedience, which is, in a sort, the mother and guardian of all the virtues in the reasonable creature, which was so created that submission is advantageous to it, while the fulfillment of its own will in preference to the Creator's is destruction.

Saint Bonaventure (1221-1274)

When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than that proceeding from the mouth.

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

The closer we get to God, the more we see our defects.

Archbishop Oscar Romero (November 20, 1977)

Let us not tire of preaching love; it is the force that will overcome the world…. Though we see that waves of violence succeed in drowning the fire of Christian love, love must win out; it is the only thing that can.

Blessed Pier-Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925)

With violence you sow hatred and harvest its bad fruits; through charity, peace is sown — not the peace that the world gives but the true peace that only faith in Jesus Christ can give us, uniting us in universal brotherhood.

1 Thessalonians 1:6

You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Father Isaac Hecker

By the sacrament of Baptism, the Holy spirit communicates Himself to the essence of the soul and substantially dwells within it as in His temple. To this indwelling divine presence is attached certain virtues, gifts and privileges which are infused therewith into the soul. It is by the exercise of these dispositions called habits or virtues and the cooperation with the movements of the Holy Spirit in the soul that the soul is sanctified. Sanctification is nothing else than the soul acting habitually by the instinct of the divine ideal, the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 1:7

Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.

Father Isaac Hecker

For unity, activity, and the choice of means, reliance should be had upon the bond of charity in the Holy Spirit, and upon His inspirations.

Romans 8:9

Brothers and sisters: You are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you.

Father Isaac Hecker

The soul may languish for a time in darkness. One thing it knows amidst its darkness, and that is, that to resist the power that leads it on would be its death. One thing it is sure of amidst its uncertainties; that the path it has entered on will terminate in a plenitude of life.

1 Corinthians 2:4

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power.

Father Isaac Hecker

Our power will be in presenting the same old truths in new forms, fresh new tone and air and spirit.

Ephesians 4:3

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Father Isaac Hecker

The Catholic Church has preserved unity without encroachment on individual liberty and has preserved individual liberty without the loss of perfect unity. Unity without individual liberty is impossible as individual liberty is without unity. When the tendency is to consolidation, the effect of this is immobility, slavery, death; when to separation we have obstruction, lawlessness, and wild fanaticism. It is only in Catholicism, unity and individuality in divine unity, that progress, liberty, and life is secured and perpetuated. (Diary July 14, 1844)

Galatians 5:5

But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.

Father Isaac Hecker

The Catholic idea of Christian perfection as a system is built up, in all its minute parts, upon the central conception of the immediate guidance of the soul by the indwelling Holy Spirit.... The Holy Spirit, having taken up His abode in the Christian soul and become its abiding guest, enlightens, quickens, and strengthens it to run in the way of perfection.

Father Isaac Hecker

Ordinarily the power of one's preaching depends upon the correspondence of one's own life to what he teaches. This will give spontaneity of life, greater activity and increased energy of character.

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Father Isaac Hecker

For unity, activity, and the choice of means, reliance should be had upon the bond of charity in the Holy Spirit, and upon His inspirations.

Saint Francis de Sales

True servants of God preach and teach those whom they guide only so as to lead them to God, as much by their words as by their works.

Saint Benedict of Nursia (480-547)

Every time you begin a good work, you must pray to God most earnestly to bring it to perfection.

Saint Veronica Giuliani (1660-1727)

Do justice, God sees you.

Saint Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus (1865-1942)

Be humble. Trust always and a great deal in Divine Providence; never never must you let yourselves be discouraged, despite contrary winds. I say it again: Trust in God and Mary Immaculate; be faithful and forge ahead!

Saint Terese of the Andes (1900-1920)

Love is the fusion of two souls in one in order to bring about mutual perfection.

Father Isaac Hecker

There is no question more worthy to engage the attention of those who have at heart the spread of the Christ's kingdom upon earth, than the question whether the Catholic Church will succeed in Christianizing the American nation.... For the people of the United States are young, free, energetic and filled with the idea of great enterprises; a people who, of all others, if once Catholic, can give a new, noble, glorious realization to Christianity.

Ephesians 1:11

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.

2 Corinthians 2:14-15

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

Father Isaac Hecker

The spirit of the age has a tendency to run into extreme individuality, into eccentricity, license, revolution. But the typical life shows how individuality is consistent with community life.... But when it comes into conflict with the common right, the individual must yield to the community: the common life outranks the individual life in case of conflict. But the individual life should be regarded as sacred and never to be effaced.

Ephesians 2:19

Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God....

Father Isaac Hecker

All ties that are not divine must be severed. I would be free, and stand only in eternal relations with others, and with all things around me. What must go at death, why not now?

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

Father Isaac Hecker

Now it is not fancy, but an interesting fact of history, both ancient and modern, that there is a class of men, and of women, too, who cannot find their happiness in the common aims and pursuits of men. A hidden principle leads them to seek a better and more spiritual life. The longing after the infinite predominates in these souls, and all other ties must be loosed and sacrificed, if needs be, to its growth and full development.

Romans 12:11

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Father Isaac Hecker

Man is here for a clear and evident purpose, and it is his first duty to know it. There are some who are honest at first, but who, after a faint resistance, sink down on a lower range of feelings, and yield themselves up to an ignoble life. But there is a class of souls who cannot set aside their higher aspirations if they would; nor would they set them aside if they had the power. They believe that the highest prerogative of man's reason is to know what his destiny is, and that the holiest employment of the energies of his will is to be directed to the realization of the great gift of his existence.

1 Corinthians 2:6-7

We ... speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

Saint Francis de Sales

How true it is that man is known by his works! So if we want to know what we are, we must look into our actions, reforming what is not good and perfecting what is. 

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

The principal cause of all unhappiness is unregulated desires, wanting more than is needed or wanting what is harmful to the spirit. The modern world is geared to increase our desires and our wants by its advertising, but it can never satisfy them. 

Venerable Pope Pius XII (on the Canonization of Saint Maria Goretti)

Not all of us are expected to die a martyr's death, but we are all called to the pursuit of Christian virtue. 

Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539)

True spiritual life consists in this: that man keep his eyes on God all the time, long for nothing but for God, keep nothing in mind but God, begin every single action in the Lord's name, and direct it to Him: in short, that he unify his whole being — mind, will, memory, senses, and actions — in God. 

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.

Father Isaac Hecker

Christianity is designed for the sanctification of our whole nature, with all its faculties, powers, and propensities, since it was the entire and complete manhood that was united to the Godhead in Christ .... Man renders to God that perfect worship when he offers the homage of his entire intelligence and liberty.

Blessed Joseph Kowalski (1911-1942)

At every step I feel the power of God. Wherever I am, whatever happens to me, I am in the hands of Divine Providence which watches over nations and over every individual! 

Saint Philip of Moscow (1507-1569)

If I bow to men's will, what shall I find to answer Christ on the day of the Judgment? 

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

No one who denies personal guilt is happy, but there is not a person who has admitted it and been forgiven and lives in the love of God who is unhappy.

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Jesus made himself the bread of life to satisfy my hunger for him, and he has also made himself the hungry one so that I may satisfy his love for me. 

Saint Rose of Viterbo (1234-1252)

rayer reveals to souls the vanity of earthly goods and pleasures. It fills them with light, strength, and consolation, and gives them a foretaste of the calm bliss of our heavenly home. 

Saint Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)

By nature, each one of us is enclosed in his own personality, but supernaturally, we are all one. We are made one body in Christ, because we are nourished by one flesh. As Christ is indivisible, we are all one in him. 

Pope Benedict XVI (June 4, 2008)

Holiness is always possible, even in difficult times. 

Saint John Vianney

God speaks to us, without ceasing, by His good inspirations; He sends us good thoughts, good desires. In youth, in old age, in all the misfortunes of life, He exhorts us to receive His grace, and what use do we make of His warnings? At this moment, even, are we cooperating rightly with grace? 

Blessed Francis de Montmorency Laval (1623-1708)

The spirit of God requires a peaceful, meditative heart and not an anxious or inattentive heart. One must have a joyous and modest face; avoid mocking and inordinate laughter and generally all that is contrary to a holy and joyful modesty. 

Saint John Cassian (360-433)

The truest test of penitence and witness of pardon is found in our own conscience, which even before the day of judgment and of knowledge, while we are still in the flesh, discloses our acquittal from guilt, and reveals the end of satisfaction and the grace of forgiveness…. We believe that the stains of past sins are forgiven us when the desires for present delights as well as the passions have been expelled from our heart. 

Saint Gregory of Nyssa

The humble man has put off arrogance; the vain and pompous man has rejected humility. 

Saint Irenaeus of Lyons (130-202)

The Word revealed God to men and presented men to God…. If the revelation of God through creation gives life to all who live upon the earth, much more does the manifestation of the Father through the Word give life to those who see God.

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

To be a Christian means to be lifted out of the old humanity of Adam to the new humanity of Christ. No man is forced to accept Christ in his life any more than the Blessed Virgin was forced to bear Him. The life of Christ within us is free and consultative.

Saint John Climacus

Nothing can ever so humble the soul as destitution and the subsistence of a beggar. We will show ourselves true lovers of wisdom and of God if we stubbornly run away from all possibility of exaltation. 

Archbishop Oscar Romero (November 15, 1978)

There is an "atheism" that is closer at hand and more dangerous to our Church. It is the atheism of capitalism, in which material possessions are set up as idols and take God's place. 

Venerable Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

Whether rich or poor, learned or unlearned, walking by the rule of humility we shall become, at length, true Saints, sons of God. We shall be upright and perfect, lights in the world, the image of Him Who died that we might be conformed to His likeness. 

Saint Conon the Elder (d. 275)

Those who live according to the spirit of the world are fond of pleasures and ease; but those who live according to the Spirit of God study … by pain and tribulation. As for me, my desire is to forfeit my life here, that I may forever reign with Jesus Christ. 

Saint Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)

Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. 

Saint Francis de Sales

Do not examine whether what you do is little or much, good or ill, provided it is not sin, and provided that in good faith you will do it for God. 

Saint Julius the Veteran (255-302)

It was he who died for our sins to give us eternal life. This same man, Christ, is God and abides for ever and ever. Whoever believes in Him will have eternal life; whoever denies Him will have eternal punishment. 

Pope John Paul II (June 10, 2004)

There is a very close relationship between "building the Eucharist" and proclaiming Christ. At the same time, entering into communion with him in the memorial of Easter also means becoming missionaries of the event which that rite actualizes; in a certain sense, it means making it contemporary with every epoch, until the Lord comes again. We are reliving this wonderful reality in today's Solemnity of Corpus Christi, during which the Church does not only celebrate the Eucharist but solemnly bears it in procession, publicly proclaiming that the Sacrifice of Christ is for the salvation of the whole world.  

Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi (1566-1607)

Prayer ought to be humble, fervent, resigned, persevering, and accompanied with great reverence. One should consider that he stands in the presence of a God and speaks with a Lord before whom the angels tremble from awe and fear. 

Saint Ursula Ledochowska (1865-1939)

It is not enough to pray "Thy kingdom come", but to work so that the Kingdom of God will exist among us today. 

Saint Gregory of Nyssa

Virtue and vice are directly opposed; they cannot both be present at the same time. 

Saint Eugene de Mazenod (1782-1861)

Learn who you are in the eyes of God. 

Pope Pius XII (Canonization of Saint Andrew Bobola, May 16, 1957)

The Gospel can show men the one certain path to truth, to justice, to all virtue; it can lead them to fraternal union and peace; it can be a strong and unshakable bulwark for their laws, their institutions, and their communities. 

Blessed Alcuin (730-804)

Throw yourself upon Christ's mercy, crying: "My Love and my Stronghold, my Protector and Liberator, in whom my heart has put its hope." 

Saint Ursula Ledochowska (1865-1939)

Holiness does not demand anything great, beyond the ability of the person. It depends on God's Love; every daily act can be transformed into an act of love. 

Saint Crispin of Viterbo (1668-1750)

Let us love God who deserves it! 

St. Paschal Baylon (1540 - 1592)

Whoever wants to save his soul must have three hearts in one: He must have the heart of a Son towards God, he must have the heart of a mother towards his neighbor, and he must have the heart of a judge towards himself. 

Saint Ursula Ledochowska (1865-1939)

It is not enough to pray "Thy kingdom come", but to work so that the Kingdom of God will exist among us today. - 

Saint Joseph Benedict Cottolengo (1786-1842)

Zeal for the glory of God and for the benefit of the sick should never be separated. 

Saint Columba (521-597)

O Lord, grant us that love which can never die, which will enkindle our lamps but not extinguish them, so that they may shine in us and bring light to others. Most dear Savior, enkindle our lamps that they may shine forever in your temple. May we receive unquenchable light from you so that our darkness will be illuminated and the darkness of the world will be made less. Amen. 

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (on the Visitation)

One of the most beautiful moments in history was that when pregnancy met pregnancy, when child-bearers became the first heralds of the King of Kings. All pagan religions begin with the teachings of adults, but Christianity begins with the birth of a Child. 

Saint Joseph Marello (1844-1895)

But first let me again urge you to pray and pray very much without worrying about anything else. He who is worried and full of anxiety in his work does an offense to God and does not say the Our Father from the heart. 

Saint Hannibal Mary di Francia (1851-1927)

What are these few orphans we attend to, these few people we bring the good news to, compared to the millions who are lost and abandoned as sheep without a shepherd? I looked for an answer and I found a complete one in the words of Jesus: "Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers to gather his harvest". I concluded then that I had found the secret key to all good works and to the salvation of all souls. 

Saint Bede the Venerable (672-735)

He alone loves the Creator perfectly who manifests a pure love for his neighbor.

Blessed Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad (1870-1957)

We must nourish a great love for God and our neighbors; a strong love, an ardent love, a love that burns away imperfections, a love that gently bears an act of impatience or a bitter word, a love that lets an inadvertence or act of neglect pass without comment, a love that lends itself readily to an act of charity. 

Saint Isidore the Farmer (1070-1130)

Sir, it may be true that I am later at my work than some of the other laborers, but I do my utmost to make up for the few minutes snatched for prayer; I pray you compare my work with theirs, and if you find I have defrauded you in the least, gladly will I make amends by paying you out of my private store. 

Saint Marcelino Champagnat (1789-1840)

I can never see a child without wanting to tell him how much Jesus Christ loves him. 

Saint Julian of Norwich (1342-1423)

Lord, you know what I am wanting. If it is your will that I have it…. But if not, do not be cross, good Lord, for I want nothing but your will. 

Saint John Climacus

Do not be surprised that you fall every day; do not give up, but stand your ground courageously. And assuredly, the angel who guards you will honor your patience.

Saint Germanus of Constantinople (634-732)

When we show reverence to representations of Jesus Christ, we do not worship paint laid on wood: we worship the invisible God in spirit and in truth. 

Saint Germanus of Constantinople (634-732)

When we show reverence to representations of Jesus Christ, we do not worship paint laid on wood: we worship the invisible God in spirit and in truth. 

Blessed Pope John XXIII (Pentecost, 1960)

The Church is born as missionary, because she is born of the Father who sent Christ into the world, she is born of the Son who, dead and risen, sent the Apostles to all nations, and she is born of the Holy Spirit, who pours out on them the necessary light and force to accomplish their mission. 

Blessed John Baptist Scalabrini (1839-1905)

He who lives from faith not only loves God, but feels impelled to make others love him. Hence the fever of saints to sacrifice their whole selves for the salvation of souls. And hence those wonders of charity and zeal that we read about in their lives and that call forth the admiration of every age. The zeal of God's glory consumed them, never letting them rest for a single instant. 

Archbishop Oscar Romero (November 15, 1978)

There is an "atheism" that is closer at hand and more dangerous to our Church. It is the atheism of capitalism, in which material possessions are set up as idols and take God's place.

Saint Hannibal Mary di Francia (1851-1927)

What are these few orphans we attend to, these few people we bring the good news to, compared to the millions who are lost and abandoned as sheep without a shepherd? I looked for an answer and I found a complete one in the words of Jesus: "Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers to gather his harvest". I concluded then that I had found the secret key to all good works and to the salvation of all souls.