The Word was not degraded by receiving a body, so that he should seek to “receive” God’s gift. Rather he deified what he put on; and, more than that, he bestowed this gift upon the race of men. –St. Athanasius

To serve Mary and to be her courtier is the greatest honor one can possibly possess, for to serve the Queen of Heaven is already to reign there, and to live under her commands is more than to govern. –St. John Damascene

It is not the actual physical exertion that counts towards one’s progress, nor the nature of the task, but by the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken. –St. Francis Xavier

Translation of French video title: The interior of Notre-Dame is revealed! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QutOHQykkHI Five years after a devastating fire closed and collapsed part of the famed cathedral, the interior restoration is…

What a joyous mystery is your presence within me, in that intimate sanctuary of my soul where I can always find you, even when I do not feel your presence. Of what importance is feeling? Perhaps you are all the closer when I feel you less.…

If some disturbance overtakes me, some embarrassment, I turn very quickly to her and as the most tender of Mothers she always takes care of my interests. –St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). –John 1:40-41

For with God both of these of necessity match each other exactly: practice should be sustained by prayer and prayer by practice. –St. Gregory I

Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you. –Psalm 145:10

Follow the example of St. Bernard and repeat those well-known words of his: “What is your mission in this life? What does God want from you?” Then abandon yourself totally to his divine will. Let him carry out his plan in you. –St. Francis…