“There are moments in life when all we can bear is the sense that our friend is near us; our wounds would wince at the touch of consoling words, that would reveal the depths of our pain.
“Sweet souls around us watch us still, press nearer to our side; into our thoughts, into our prayers, with gentle helpings glide.
“let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, though all things pass, God does not change. Patience wins all things. But he lacks nothing who possesses God; for God alone suffices.
“In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all, and it comes with bitter agony. Perfect relief is not possible, except with the passing of time.
“Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime. And, departing, leave behind us; footprints on the sands of time.
“Only one thing is necessary in your anguish: bear everything with resignation to the Divine Will; for this will help you to attain your eternal salvation. Hope with a lively faith and you will receive everything from Almighty God.
“By the law of nature, there is no pleasure in suffering; but divine love, when it reigns in a heart, makes it take delight in its sufferings.
“A joyful heart is the normal result of a heart burning with love. Never let anything so fill you with sorrow as to make you forget the joy of Christ Risen.
“Death is not a journey into an unknown land; it is a voyage home. We are going, not to a strange country, but to our fathers house.
“All my life I still have found, and I will forget it never; every sorrow hath its bound, and no cross endures forever.
“Good-night! Good-night! as we so oft have said beneath this roof at midnight, in the days that are no more, and shall no more return. Thou has but taken up thy lamp and gone to bed; I stay a little longer, as one stays to cover up the embers that still burn.
“And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles in your life, your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy.