"Work for souls is accomplished, for the most part, in silence. Its
efficiency does not depend upon occupation, position or popularity.
From a humble cell, hidden away in some cloistered nunnery, there
radiates spiritual power which influences thousands of souls scattered
over the entire world." (from Sheltering the Divine Outcast by A Religious, Peter Reilly Co., Philadelphia, 1952, p. 56)
St. Catherine of Siena, who did not live in a monastery, “formed a cell in her own heart and there she remained continually united with God even when busiest, contemplating Him and speaking familiarly with Him. Thus she attained to a stable, uninterrupted union with her Lord.” (Spiritual Diary, Daughters of St. Paul, 1990).
"Whenever you pray, go to your room, close your door, and pray to your Father in private…” (Matthew 6:6)
"Brother Body is our cell, and our soul is the hermit living indoors in the cell, in order to pray to God and meditate on him.” (St. Francis of Assisi)
"I offer You the cell of my heart; may it be Your little Bethany. Come rest there…” (Elizabeth of the Trinity)
"Our Lord frequently told me that I should keep a secluded place for Him in my heart, where He would teach me to love Him." (St. Margaret Mary)
"I set up a little cell in my heart, where I always kept company with Jesus." (St. Faustina)
"Within yourself you have made a room... a secluded place. You have built it by prayer…. You live in the marketplace and carry the poustinia within you. That is your vocation… The Lord is calling us to stand still before him while walking with men.” (Catherine de Hueck Doherty, Poustinia, Ave Maria Press, 1975)
"May the God who is all love be your unchanging dwelling place, your cell, and your cloister in the midst of the world.” (Elizabeth of the Trinity)
"Christ is held by the mind knowing Him and the heart loving Him... what is this room except the inner secret of your own person? Keep this inner room clean, so that when it is pure, unstained by sin, your spiritual home may stand as a priestly temple with the Holy Spirit dwelling in it. One who seeks and entreats Christ is never abandoned, but visited by Him frequently, for He stays always with us." (St. Ambrose)
Painting of nun: Luigi Busi, In Contemplazione
Painting of woman in bedroom: Moritz von Schwind, Early Morning
Painting of city street: Arntzenius Spuistraat