“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.
“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.
“It behooves us to accomplish what God requires of us, even when we are in the greatest despair respecting the results
“Grief knits two hearts in closer bonds than happiness ever can; and common sufferings are far stronger links than common joys
“On the death of a friend, we should consider that the fates through confidence have devolved on us the task of a double living, that we have henceforth to fulfill the promise of our friend's life also, in our own, to the world.
“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.
“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.
“All my life I still have found, and I will forget it never; every sorrow hath its bound, and no cross endures forever.
“May you see God's light on the path ahead when the road you walk is dark. May you always hear, even in your hour of sorrow, the gentle singing of the lark. When times are hard may hardness never turn your heart to stone, may you always remember when the shadows fall— you do not walk alone
“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.
“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.
“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.
“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than 10,000 tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love