It will be particularly useful to read the lives of those who, after being great sinners, became eminent saints; such as the lives of St. Mary Magdalen, St. Augustine, St. Pelagia, St. Mary of Egypt, and especially of St. Margaret of Cortona, who was for many years in a state of damnation ; but, even then, cherished a desire for sanctity ; and who, after her conversion, flew to perfection with such rapidity, that she merited to learn by revelation, even in this life, not only that she was predestined to glory, but also, that a place was prepared for her among the Seraphim.” – St. Alphonsus Ligouri