Mary was a pure virgin, with a harmonious disposition. She loved good works...
She did not want to be seen by men; but she asked God to examine her...
She remained continually at home, living a retired life and imitating a honey-bee...
She generously distributed to the poor what was left over from the work of her hands....
She prayed solitarily to God, for two things: not to let a bad thought take root in her heart, and to grow neither bold nor hard of heart.....
Her speech was calm and her voice was low...
She wanted to make progress everyday; and she did so.
When she rose in the morning, she endeavoured to make her works more new than those she had already done....
She was not afraid of death, but rather was sad, and sighted everyday that she had not yet crossed the threshold of heaven.
St. Athanasius the Great
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