"Mirth is Next to Grace"

Writing of Mary Ward, Mother Mary Salome says: "She was always bright, always joyful. She could not bear to see gloom on people's faces. 'Be merry!' she used to say; 'In these days (Penal days in England) mirth is next to grace.' 'Three things I love,' she used to say. 'Young people devout, old people patient, sick people joyous.' Even when dying, Mary praised and blessed God with joy."

-- A Year of Cheer