"In short, we may say that the consecration of this sacrament, and the acceptance of this sacrifice, and its fruits, proceed from the virtue of the cross of Christ, and therefore wherever mention is made of these, the priest makes use of the sign of the cross." Source: St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica [...]
"Before leaving the church after Holy Mass, do not forget to thank God for the graces that He has just given to you. St. John and the holy women who were present at the Sacrifice of the Cross never forgot the vision of Calvary, and they came down from the Holy Mount, covered with the [...]
"Holy Communion is incorporation not only to the life of Christ, but also to His death. This second aspect is sometimes forgotten. St. Paul mentions it: 'So it is the Lord's death that you are heralding, whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, until he comes' (I Corinth. 11:26)... What He did in [...]
"Indeed, the more spiritual progress a person makes, so much heavier will he frequently find the cross, because as his love increases, the pain of his exile also increases." Source: Thomas a’ Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, Dover Thrift Editions, 1940.
"There is no other way to life and to true inward peace than the way of the holy cross and daily mortification." Source: Thomas a’ Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, Dover Thrift Editions, 1940.
"In the cross is salvation, in the cross is life, in the cross is protection from enemies, in the cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness, in the cross is strength of mind, in the cross is joy of spirit, in the cross is highest virtue, in the cross is perfect holiness. There is no salvation [...]
"Jesus has always many who love His heavenly kingdom, but few who bear His cross. He has many who desire consolation, but few who care for trial. He finds many to share His table, but few to take part in His fasting. All desire to be happy with Him; few wish to suffer anything for [...]
"To the offering of Christ are united not only the members still here on earth, but also those already in the glory of heaven. In communion with and commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, the Church offers the Eucharistic sacrifice. In the Eucharist the Church is as it were at the foot [...]
"When He sees a soul who loves Him greatly, He knows that soul can suffer much for Him, whereas one who loves Him little will suffer little. For my own part, I believe that love is the measure of our ability to bear crosses, whether great or small." Source: Saint Teresa of Avila, The [...]
"How are you to meet the swarm of foolish attachments, trifling, and undesirable inclinations which beset you? By turning sharply away, and thoroughly renouncing such vanities, flying to the Savior’s Cross, and clasping His Crown of thorns to your heart, so that these little foxes may not spoil your vines." Source: St. Francis de [...]