May 14th
St Laurence Giustiniani (1381-1456), Bishop, Confessor; Venice, Italy; Feast day September 5th

"In prayer, the soul cleanses itself from sin, charity is nourished, faith is strengthened, hope made secure; the spirit rejoices, the soul grows tender, and the heart is purified, truth discovers itself, temptation is overcome, sadness takes to flight, the senses are renewed, failing virtue is made good, tepidity disappears, the rust of sin is rubbed away.  In it are brought forth lively flashes of heavenly desires, and in these fires burns up the fame of divine love.  Great are the excellences of prayer, great its privileges.  The heavens open before it, and unveil therein their secrets, and to it are the ears of God ever attentive."

St John Chrysostom (347-407), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Antioch; Feast day September 13th

"Our Lord is the summary of all God's works, the epitome of all the perfections to be found in God and in His creatures.  Jesus Christ is everything that you can and should wish for.  Long for Him, see for Him, because He is that unique and precious pearl for which you should be ready to sell everything you possess."