Sometimes
the devil inspires souls with an inordinate zeal for a certain virtue
or some special pious exercise, so that they will be motivated by
their passion to practice it more and more. This temptation is more
to pride rather than virtue....Sometimes, on the other hand, the
devil coaches souls to do less than they can really do. This
temptation is more to false humility...In both cases, the devil's
goal is to make the soul discouraged when the virtue is found to be
unattainable; and to be wearied and disgusted if his efforts are
below his abilities. The soul ends up neglecting everything. It is
necessary to overcome the one snare as the other.
– Saint
Catherine of
Bologna
Saint
Catherine of
Bologna's patronage:
Bologna; Against temptations; Artists; Liberal arts.
