The glory of these forty days we celebrate with songs and praise. For Christ, by whom all things were made, Himself has fasted and prayed. Alone and fasting Moses saw the loving God who gave the law. And to Elijah, fasting, came the steeds and chariots of flame. So Daniel trained his mystic sight, delivered from the lions might. And John, the Bridegroom's friend, became the herald of the Messiah's name. Then grant us, Lord, like them to be full often in fast and prayer with Thee. Our spirits strengthen with Thy grace, and give joy to see Thy face.

-- Pope St. Gregory the Great

In thought there are two ways of sinning mortally. The first is to consent to the evil with the intention of carrying it out, or doing so if one can. The second way of sinning mortally is actually carrying the sin to which consent was given.

-- St. Ignatius Loyola

There is no doubt but that the person who lives without mortifying himself is someone who will never succeed in saving his soul.

-- St. John Vianney

In the first place, the eyes must be mortified. We must abstain from looking at any object that may give occasion to temptation.

-- St. Alphonsus Liguori

He who obeys not the rudder will obey the reef.

-- St. Herve of Brittany

Be mindful, O Lord, of my unworthy self, according to the abundance of your mercies. Forgive all my offenses, deliberate or accidental, and withdraw not the grace of your Holy Spirit because of my sins.

-- St. Basil the Great

The prayer of the sick person in his patience and his acceptance of the sickness for the love of Jesus Christ. This has great worth when it is motivated by the imitation of how much He suffered for us, and by penance for our sins.

-- St. Charles of Seeze