Even yet people who are searching for such curiosities sometimes find big grave mounds in which dozens of them are buried—buried side by side with the people who used to eat out of them. There is nothing left of the people but their skulls and a few bones; but the bowls will last as long as the world stands.
—Helen Hunt Jackson.
IMITATION OF MARY
Let the life of the Blessed Mary be ever present to you.…
She was humble of heart, serious in her conversation, fonder of reading than of speaking.
She placed her confidence rather in the prayer of the poor than in the uncertain riches of the world.
She was ever intent on her occupations, and accustomed to make God rather than man the witness of her thoughts.
She injured no one, wished well to all, reverenced age, yielded not to envy, avoided all boasting, followed the dictates of reason, and loved virtue.
—St. Ambrose.