The first exercise in training the soul
is to turn away sin,
the second to implant virtue.

 
St. Ambrose, 4th century

What the Christian should be doing at all times
should be done now with greater care and devotion,
so that the Lenten fast may be fulfilled,
not simply by abstinence from food,
but above all, by the renunciation of sin.

 
St. Leo the Great, 5th century

You should condemn your own sins;
that will be reason enough for the Lord to forgive you.

 
St. John Chrysostom, 4th century

Search with your heart for what is pleasing to God.

 
St. Augustine, 5th century

Let us return then,
to the grace which was ours in the beginning,
and from which we have alienated ourselves by sin,
and let us again adorn ourselves with the beauty of God's image.

 
St. Basil, 4th century

The Lord is gracious and merciful
and prefers the conversion of the sinner rather than his death.
Patient and generous is his mercy.

 
St. Jerome, 5th century

The one who commits sin
does what is not pleasing to God;
but the one who repents of his sin,
does what is most pleasing to God.

 
St. Robert Bellarmine, 17th century

Our confidence
has its source in God's infinite mercy towards us,
and increases in proportion to our sorrow for sin.

 
Bl. Columba Marmion, 20th century