Frequently St. Mary Magdalene would say: “I do not think there could be suffering so bitter, adversity so difficult or labor so arduous that I could not bear it with happiness simply by convincing myself that it was the will of God.” In fact, the great sufferings she experienced during a trial of five years duration, and during her last illness, whenever someone reminded her that it was the will of God she suffer those pains, she would immediately become serene and cease to grieve.

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St. Vincent de Paul was ordered by a prelate to receive in his monastery a zealous religious and to help him in his plans. The holy man did so and give him opportune advice. However, a few religious, not pleased with the reformer, criticized St. Vincent to the same prelate. The latter, forgetting that he himself had gien those orders, called St. Vincent and, in the presence of those same religious, reprimanded him. The saint received the correction with joy, uttering not a word to justify his action.

During his frequent illnesses, St. Philip Neri was always cheerful and serene. Never did he give evidence of his suffering, no matter how great it was, nor did he speak of his illness with anyone except his doctors.

For twenty-eight years St. Clare underwent great sufferings, yet in all that time she was never heard to complain about them; in fact, she frequently thanked God for them.

When St. Francis de Sales was ill, it was of great edification to all to hear him speak of his illness without exaggeration or complaint. Patiently he bore it without uneasiness. He always took his medicine without a word. Even though he suffered severe pains, he was ever serene and calm, as though he felt no pain.

– St. Teresa of Avila

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