“Do not desire crosses, unless you have borne those already laid upon you well — it is an abuse to long after martyrdom while unable to bear an insult patiently.”

Whatever happens, abide steadfast in a determination to cling simply to God.

It is to those who have the most need of us that we ought to show our love more especially.

Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. I mean do not be disheartened by your imperfections, but always rise up with fresh courage.

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.

Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin. God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry.

In everything, love simplicity.

Humility consists in not esteeming ourselves above other men, and in not seeking to be esteemed above them.

True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice.

It matters little how one begins, provided that he be resolved to go on well, and to end well.

To live according to the spirit is to love according to the spirit.

Flowers often grow more beautifully on dung-hills than in gardens that look beautifully kept.

Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily.

Pride dies 20 minutes after death.

You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so, you learn to love by loving. All those who think to learn in any other way deceive themselves.

Let us think only of spending the present day well. Then when tomorrow shall have come, it will be called today, and then we will think about it.

Where there is peace and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor doubt.