Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), Italian poet and moral philosopher, authored "The Divine Comedy". 

A man who claims to be self-sufficient and not to need any other man's help in hardship and suffering has no part in Christ.

Difficult times are also opportunities for us to strengthen the musculature of our faith.

The act of faith, we said, is a sharing in the vision of Jesus, propping oneself up on Jesus: John, who leant on Jesus' bosom, is a symbol for what faith means. 

Resistance requires initiative. We mustn't change our proposals, but rather ourselves — intensely.

Once we understand how desolation works, we can become free from its tyranny, and even use it to our advantage.

One of the most insidious lies of Hell is that desolation will never end.

Among all human pursuits, the pursuit of wisdom is more perfect, more noble, more useful, and more full of joy. 

The sea symbolizes this life and the instability of the visible world; the storm points to every kind of trial or difficulty that oppresses human beings.