“I see no reason why men of the world, who from inclination have applied themselves to serious studies, should not number themselves among the defenders of the most holy of causes.” – Joseph de Maistre
The wonderful development of spiritual and intellectual life that characterized this period was only possible in view of the fact that all minds were still influenced by the Church doctrine of ‘salvation by good works.’ This teaching resulted, on one hand, in innumerable charitable bequests, in the founding of hospitals, asylums, and orphanages, as well as in the building of churches and cathedrals adorned with all that was most beautiful in art; while it also prompted the establishment of higher and lower education institutions, and the liberal endowment of them.
“Be happy, friends; your fortune is achieved,
While one fate beckons us and then another.”
– Aeneid III. 655-656.
“My son, give me thy heart: and let thy eyes keep my ways.” – Proverbs 23:26
“Nothing is happier than the Christian, for to him is promised the kingdom of heaven: nothing is more toil-worn, for every day he goes in danger of his life.”
– St. Jerome
“Every man is become a fool for knowledge, every artist is confounded in his graven idol: for what he hath cast is false, and there is no spirit in them.”
– Jeremias 10:14
“He does not call those who are worthy, but those He chooses to call.”
– St. Thérèse
“If my requests are granted, Russia will be converted and there will be peace. If not, she will scatter her errors throughout the world, provoking wars and the persecution of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, and various nations will be destroyed…But in the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph, the Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, Russia will be converted, and a certain period of peace will be granted to the world.” – Our Lady of Fatima
“There is no disorder that ETERNAL LOVE does not turn against the principle of evil.” – Joseph de Maistre