Archive

Prayer is a repose, a relaxation. One must come in total simplicity to the One whom one loves, holding oneself near to Him as a small child in its mother’s arms, allowing one’s heart to go out ... there is only one occupation for a Carmelite and that is to love and to pray.

I am content, nay, full of joy, to be without all consolation. I should be ashamed if my love were like that of earthly brides who are ever looking for gifts from their bridegrooms, or seeking to catch the smile which fills them with delight. Therese, the little Spouse of Jesus, loves Him for Himself. . . .

Courage my sister, the yoke of a Carmelite if necessarily very light or very heavy in proportion as one's courage bear it or one's cowardice drags it.

Turn your eyes upon yourself and look at yourself inwardly, as I have said. You will find your Master; He will not fail you: indeed, the less outward comfort you have, the [much] greater the joy He will give you. He is full of compassion and never fails those who are afflicted and out of favor if they trust in Him alone.

To reach something good it is very useful to have gone astray, and thus to have acquired experience.

Have patience with yourself, the Lord does.

Allow yourself to be taught, allow yourself to receive orders, allow yourself to be subjected and despised, and you will be perfect.

There is no need for beautiful thoughts, only an outpouring of the heart.

He is within us to sanctify us, so let us ask Him to be Himself our sanctity.

It seems to me that Our Lord is always more pleased with simplicity, never pretending to be something you are not.

God is compassionate and filled with gentleness, slow to punish and abundant in mercy, for He knows our frailty, He remembers we are dust.

There is no companionship which affords comfort to the soul that longs for God; indeed, until she finds Him everything causes greater solitude.