"According to this covenant that she took upon herself, she became, as far as she herself was concerned, committed to virginity, and as far as the world was concerned, she became the supreme example of purity, and as far as God was concerned, she became a slave, completely owned by Him and living for Him alone. Her heart, which God made his possession through the Holy Spirit, beat now only for the sake of the holy Word of God that was born of her."
- St. Matthew the Poor, The Communion of Love, p. 206.