St. Rita of Cascia says: “Praise be to Jesus.”

“I have come to speak to you concerning perseverance. Think of a flower. The roots are firmly planted in the soil of Holy Love. The plant that rises out of the soil is Holy Humility. The leaves that surround the bloom, adding to its beauty, are faith, hope and trust. The flower – the ornament of the whole plant – is perseverance; for it is through all of these other virtues, perseverance blooms. Without Holy Love, Holy Humility, faith, hope and trust, the soul is unable to persevere in prayer or good works. Understand, then, that when you persevere in anything spiritual, all of these virtues are at work.”