the cross

 "So, go forth, O generous apostles of Jesus Christ, go wherever he calls you. I know you will run into great labors, serious difficulties, many tribulations, never-ending struggles and sacrifices. But fear not: the cross accompanies you, the cross which is the memorial of past victories, pledge of future ones. .. The cross is the protection of the meek, the humiliation of the proud, the victory of Christ, the defeat of hell, the death of infidelity, the life of the just, the fulness of all virtues. The cross is the hope of Christians, the resurrection of the dead, the consolation of the poor, the wood of eternal life, the power of God...."

                                                     -  Blessed John Baptist Scalabrini