In order to give any reports about the Muslims, I would have to convert some, and I have not done so at all… The story of Peter Claver clearly shows that in order to convert them, one must first convert oneself and be holy. (…)
Everything I encounter – and that is the fundamental problem of my soul – brings me the same two things, sings to me two songs, two antiphons, if I may say so: the first of them is joy, for in everything there is a piece of the glory of Jesus, a celebration of his Name, an increase of the bond with Him... and the second is: sanctify yourself, convert, conversion. Everything tells me to turn to God, everything sings of the necessity of sanctification, everything loudly calls and repeats that if something good, which I desire, does not come to fruition, it is only my fault, my great fault, and that I must quickly convert myself.
(Charles de Foucauld /1858–1916/, correspondence)
