Silence

"Silence is the mother of prayer and the nurse of holy thoughts.  Silence detaches, talking entangles us; silence makes us watchful over ourselves and guards us; talking, even needful talking, exposes us.  If we keep silence perfectly for a week, how many faults disappear from our weekly Confession-faults against patience, charity, obedience, discretion etc.?  The best quality of Holy Fear is fostered by silence, and love is certainly strengthened by it." - Listening to the Indwelling Presence

(photo of the high altar, Saint Patrick's Basilica, Montreal, Quebec, Canada)