To live in the midst of the world without desiring its pleasures;

To be a member of each family, yet belong to none.

To share all sufferings;

To penetrate all secrets;

To heal all wounds;

To go from men to God

to bring pardon, peace, and hope;

To have a heart of fire for charity

and a heart of bronze for chastity;

To teach and to pardon,

to console and bless always.

My God, what a life!

And it is yours, O priest of God!

-Lacordaire