From A Cloistered life, the biography of Mother Mary Veronica, Poor Clare Colettine of Cleveland: No one can make progress in virtue without the assistance of God and this is obtained only by fervent prayer. From early childhood Mother M. Veronica had loved and practiced prayer; to be able to lead a life of prayer she had entered a contemplative Order, and in it she had never desired anything else than to be able to converse with God unknown and unnoticed by all. Although this ardent desire underwent a trial amid her many occupations and, later, amid the duties of her responsible office, it was by no means weakened, but was rather enkindled the more, and she was most happy at that time when, being relieved of her office, she could lead a more quiet and solitary life and was thus enabled the better to follow the longings of her heart. But even in the midst of the most varied occupations and duties, she knew how to preserve the spirit of prayer by frequently calling to mind the presence of God, and she did everything with that unalterable tranquility and patience which is peculiar to souls intimately united with God.