Saint Teresa of Avila

“I don't know what heavy penance I would not have gladly undertaken rather than practice prayer.”

“If God should desire to raise us to the position of one who is an intimate and shares his secrets, we ought to accept this gladly.”

“May God protect me from gloomy saints.”

“While the soul is in mortal sin, nothing can profit it; none of its good works merit an eternal reward, since they do not proceed from God as their first principle, and by Him alone is our v...”

“How friendly all men would be one with another, if no regard were paid to honour and money! I believe it would be a remedy for everything.”

“Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us. The important thing is not to...”

“What friends or kindred can be so close and intimate as the powers of our soul, which, whether we will or no, must ever bear us company?”

“Do you think it is only a little thing to possess a house from which lovely things can be seen?”

“What value is there in faith without works? And what are they worth if they are not united to the merits of Jesus Christ, our only good?”

“If I were to give advice, I would say to parents that they ought to be very careful whom they allow to mix with their children when young; for much mischief thence ensues, and our natural in...”

“I know the power obedience has of making things easy which seem impossible.”

“All blessings come to us through our Lord. He will teach us, for in beholding His life we find that He is the best example.”

“All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted.”

“I do not fear Satan half so much as I fear those who fear him.”

“Anyone who truly loves God travels securely.”