Principles and Practices - November 22

SUFFERING STRENGTHENS VIRTUE

A soul beginning to give itself up to piety is a fair sight. Like a tender plant, pushing up its fragile stem above the earth, its colour is lovely and delicate. But if it is pleasing to the eye on account of its freshness, it is also sensitive and frail. A blast of wind can wither it, the sun can fade it. But when it shall have withstood tempests, heat, and inclemencies of weather, it will be stronger and less exposed to danger. So the soldier of Christ who has suffered aridities, temptations, and tribula­tions of every kind, has acquired strength, provided always that he has borne all these things with patience and love. Thus only will he be invincible and his enemies will be powerless against him.

-Saudreau.
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From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930