Saint Polycarp of Smyrna

Stand fast, therefore, in this conduct and follow the example of the Lord, 'firm and unchangeable in faith, lovers of the brotherhood, loving each other, united in truth, ' helping each other with the mildness of the Lord, despising no man. 

-- Saint Polycarp of Smyrna

Saint Basil the Great

What is the mark of love for your neighbor? Not to seek what is for your own benefit, but what is for the benefit of the one loved, both in body and in soul.

-- Saint Basil the Great

Saint Peter Damian

It is not sinners, but the wicked who should despair; it is not the magnitude of one’s crime, but contempt of God that dashes one’s hopes.

-- Saint Peter Damian

Saint Ephraem of Syria

Virtues are formed by prayer.

Prayer preserves temperance.

Prayer suppresses anger.

Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy.

Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.

-- Saint Ephraem of Syria

Saint Teresa of Avila

We cannot be sure whether we are loving God, although we may have good reason that we are. But we can know quite well whether we are loving our neighbor.

-- Saint Teresa of Avila

Pope Saint Leo the Great

Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation, for there is no conflict without an enemy, no victory without strife. 

-- Pope Saint Leo the Great

Saint Athanasius the Great

The Word who became all things for us is close to us, our Lord Jesus Christ who promises to remain with us always. He cries out, saying: See, I am with you all the days of this age. He is himself the shepherd, the high priest, the way and the door, and has become all things at once for us. 

-- Saint Athanasius the Great