List of points

'There's no denying the influence of environment', you've told me. And I have to answer: Quite. That is why you have to be formed in such a way that you can carry your own environment about with you in a natural manner, and so give your own 'tone' to the society in which you live.

And then, if you have acquired this spirit, I am sure you will tell me with the amazement of the disciples as they contemplated the first fruits of the miracles being worked by their hands in Christ's name: 'There's no denying our influence on environment!'

Naturalness. Let your lives as christian men, as christian women — your salt and your light — flow spontaneously, without anything odd or silly: always carry with you our spirit of simplicity.

'And in a paganised or pagan environment when my life clashes with its surroundings, won't my naturalness seem artificial?' you ask me.

And I reply: Undoubtedly your life will clash with theirs; and that contrast — faith confirmed by works! — is exactly the naturalness I ask of you.

When you have finished your work, do your brother's, helping him, for Christ's sake, so tactfully and so naturally that no one — not even he — will realise that you are doing more than what in justice you ought.

This, indeed, is virtue befitting a son of God!

Mary, the most holy Mother of God, passes unnoticed, as just one more among the women of her town.

Learn from her how to live with 'naturalness'.

Remain silent, and you will never regret it: speak, and you often will.

How can you dare ask others to keep your secret, when that very request is a sign that you have not been able to keep it yourself?

Discretion is not secrecy, nor mystery-making. It is simply naturalness.

Discretion is… refinement of spirit. Do you not feel annoyed, uncomfortable deep down inside, when intimate and everyday details of your family life emerge from the warmth of the home to the indifference or curiosity of the public gaze?

Be slow to reveal the intimate details of your apostolate: don't you see that the world in its selfishness will fail to understand?

Say nothing! Don't forget that your ideal is like a newly-lit flame. A single breath might suffice to quench it in your heart.

The fruitfulness of silence! All the energy I see you waste with those repeated indiscretions is energy taken from the effectiveness of your work.

Be discreet.