Saint Théophane Vénard

A slight sabre-cut will separate my head from my body, like the spring flower which the Master of the garden gathers for His pleasure. We are all flowers planted on this earth, which God plucks in His own good time: some a little sooner, some a little later...Father and son may we meet in Paradise. I, poor little moth, go first. Adieu. 

-- Saint Théophane Vénard  in a letter to his father just before his martyrdom in Vietnam

Saint Charles Borromeo

We must meditate before, during and after everything we do. The prophet says: "I will pray, and then I will understand." 

This is the way we can easily overcome the countless difficulties we have to face day after day, which, after all, are part of our work. In meditation we find the strength to bring Christ to birth in ourselves and in other men. 

-- Saint Charles Borromeo

Saint John of the Cross

Do not be suspicious of your brother, for you will lose purity of heart!!

-- Saint John of the Cross 

Saint Martin de Porres

Compassion is preferable to cleanliness: with a little bit of soap I can clean my bed, but think of the flood of tears I would require to clean from my soul the stain that harshness against this unfortunate would leave.

-- Saint Martin de Porres