'The whole life of Jesus was one continuous example and school of perfection; but never did he better incalculate his own most excellent virtues than from the pulpit of his cross. There what an admirable instruction does he give us on patience, more especially in time of infirmity; for with what constancy does Jesus upon the cross endure with most perfect patience the pains of his most bitter death! There, by his own example, he teaches us an exact obedience to the divine precepts, a perfect resignation to God's will; and, above all, he teaches us how we ought to love.'

St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori