Without prayer…
Without prayer a man will not persevere long in spirituality; we must have recourse to this most powerful means of salvation every day.
–Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
Cheerfulness strengthens…
Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in a good life; wherefore the servant of God ought always to be in good spirits.
— Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
Obtaining perseverance…
One of the most excellent means of obtaining perseverance is discretion; we must not wish to do everything at once, or become a saint in four days.
–Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
Accept our own death…
We must accept our own death and that of our relations when God shall send it to us, and not desire it at any other time; for it is sometimes necessary that it should happen at that particular moment for the good of our own and their souls.
–Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
For Christ alone…
He who wishes for anything but Christ, does not know what he wishes; he who asks for anything but Christ, does not know what he is asking; he who works, and not for Christ, does not know what he is doing.
— Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
For repentance…
When the profligate returned after going to a foreign country and finding out by experience what a great sin it is to leave the father’s house, the father did not remember past injuries but welcomed him with open arms. Why? Because he was a father and not a judge. And there were dances and festivities and banquets and the whole house was full of joy and gladness. Are you asking: “Is this what he gets for his wickedness?” Not for his wickedness, but for his return home; not for sin, but for repentance; not for evil, but for being converted.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
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