January 4

"If a man possesses any strong attachment to the things of this earth, he cannot possess true charity. For anyone who really loves God prefers to know and experience God rather than his creatures. The whole set and longing of his mind is ever directed toward him."

-St. Maximus the Confessor

January 3

"How long will the sun and moon, the stars continue to give forth light? Who can tell? Of one thing alone we are sure. In God’s own time – then shall come the Son of Man in great power and majesty to render to each according to his works. The question alone important, the solution of which depends upon how I have spent my life, is the state of my soul at the moment of death. Infinite misery or infinite happiness! There is no half and half, either one or the other."

-St. Katherine Drexel

January 1

"The entire life of a good Christian is in fact an exercise of holy desire.

You do not see what you long for, but the very act of desiring prepares you, so that when he comes you may see and be utterly satisfied."

-St. Augustine

January 1

Act of Consecration to Our Blessed Lady

Recite the Hail Mary and then pray:

My Queen! My Mother! I give you all

Myself, and, to show my devotion to you,

I consecrate to you my eyes, my ears, my mouth,

My heart, my entire self.

Wherefore, O loving Mother, as I am your own,

Keep me, defend me, as your property

And possession.

Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.

Amen.