The soul of Mary was released from her body as naturally as fragrance
sent from a flower and as the ripe fruit falls from the tree.--_St.
Francis of Sales._
As the palm conceals its flower until the heat of the sun causes it to
expand, so the just soul conceals the flowers of its virtue by
humility, until Our Lord, by calling her to Paradise, gives the
highest degree of perfection to her love.--_The same._
The thought of death is not sad for a soul who loves God, because it
is the beginning of her eternal happiness.--_St. John of the Cross._
O Death, most beautiful Death! wherefore shall we fear thee, if in
thee is found life? He alone should fear thee who has persevered in
sin until his last breath.--_St. Teresa._