Saint Bede the Venerable (On Saint John the Baptist)

As forerunner of our Lord’s birth, preaching and death, the blessed John showed in his struggle a goodness worthy of the sight of heaven. In the words of Scripture: Though in the sight of men he suffered torments, his hope is full of immortality. We justly commemorate the day of his birth with a joyful celebration, a day which he himself made festive for us through his suffering and which he adorned with the crimson splendour of his own blood. We do rightly revere his memory with joyful hearts, for he stamped with the seal of martyrdom the testimony which he delivered on behalf of our Lord.

-- Saint Bede the Venerable  from a homily on the martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist

Saint Augustine of Hippo

Conquer yourself and the world lies at your feet. 

-- Saint Augustine of Hippo

Saint Monica

Son, as far as I am concerned, nothing in this life now gives me any pleasure. I do not know why I am still here, since I have no further hopes in this world. I did have one reason for wanting to live a little longer: to see you become a Catholic Christian before I died. God has lavished his gifts on me in that respect, for I know that you have even renounced earthly happiness to be his servant. So what am I doing here?

-- Saint Monica to her son Saint Augustine of Hippo

Pope Saint Leo the Great

God decreed that all nations should be saved in Christ. 

-- Pope Saint Leo the Great

Saint Louis IX

Be devout and obedient to our mother the Church of Rome and the Supreme Pontiff as your spiritual father. 

-- Saint Louis IX

Saint Nathanael bar Tolomai

Rabbi: Thou art the Son of God. Thou art the King of Israel. 

-- Saint Nathanael bar Tolomai from The Gsopel of John 1: 49

Saint Rose of Lima

Lord, increase my sufferings, and with them increase Your love in my heart. 

-- Saint Rose of Lima