March 7th
St Thomas of Aquinas (1225-1274), Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Roccasecca, Sicily

"Man cannot live without joy; therefore, when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures."

"Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.  Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know You, diligence to seek You, wisdom to find You, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace You; through Jesus Christ our Lord."

"The Eucharist is the Sacrament of Love; It signifies Love, It produces Love.  The Eucharist is the consummation of the whole spiritual life."

"Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know You, a heart to seek You, wisdom to find You, conduct pleasing to You, faithful perseverance in waiting for You, and a hope of finally embracing You."

"A fourth point about charity is that it truly leads to happiness, since eternal blessedness is promised only to those who have charity.  For all other things are insufficient without charity."