List of points

They spread slander and then make sure themselves that someone comes along immediately to tell you: “It is said that…” No doubt that is villainous, but don’t lose your peace; the tongue can do you no harm, if you work honestly. Consider how silly they are, how tactless, humanly speaking, and what a lack of loyalty they show towards their brothers — and especially towards God!

And don’t go and fall into slander yourself, through an ill-conceived idea of the right to reply. If you have to say anything, make use of fraternal correction as the Gospel advises us.

You didn’t want to believe it, but you had to yield to the evidence, to your cost. Those statements you made simply and with a sound Catholic sense have been twisted maliciously by enemies of the faith.

It is true that “we have to be simple as doves… and wise as serpents.” Don’t talk at the wrong time or out of place.

Someone who was tired of people gossiping said that he wished the smallest village were like the capital.

—He didn’t know, poor man, that it is the same there.

—For the love of God and your neighbour, don’t fall into such a small-town defect… It is so un-Christian. —It was said of the first followers of Christ: “See how they love one another.” Can this be said of you, and of me, at all times?

Criticisms of apostolic enterprises are usually of two kinds: the work is presented by some people as a most complicated structure; others deem it to be a comfortable and easy task.

In the end, such “objectivity” boils down to narrow-mindedness, with a good dose of idle chatter thrown in. —Don’t get annoyed, but ask them: “What is it that you do?”

You might not be able to expect understanding for the demands of your faith, but you do have to ask for respect.

Those people you heard speak ill of that loyal friend of God, will also speak ill of you when you decide to behave better.