Saint Cyril of Alexandria

Who can put Mary's high honour into words? She is both mother and virgin. I am overwhelmed by the wonder of this miracle. Of course no one could be prevented from living in the house he had built for himself, yet who would invite mockery by asking his own servant to become his mother? Behold then the joy of the whole universe. Let the union of God and man in the Son of the Virgin Mary fill us with awe and adoration.

-- Saint Cyril of Alexandria

Saint John Climacus

To be removed from things of the senses is to contemplate things of the spirit.

-- Saint John Climacus

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 , Letter to the Philippians

Saint Francis de Sales

We need not fear to be puffed with the knowledge of what God has done for us, if we keep well before us the truth that whatever good there may be in us, is not of us. Though a mule is laden with the precious treasures of a prince, is it not still a clumsy, filthy beast?

-- Saint Francis de Sales