Verbatim.

"We want to relaunch the sacrament of Penance.... Today it seems as though the sense of sin has been forgotten."

--Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, explaining why the Vatican decided to release the outcome of a "tribunal of conscience," a previously secretive review of clerical sins so grave only the pope can grant absolution (Associated Press, Jan. 16)

"Your opponent, the devil, is like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him; be solid in your faith."

--Environmental activist Sister Stella Matutina, O.S.B., quoting scripture in an explanation of her steadfastness before the harassment of military and mining interests in Mindanao (Philippine Daily Inquirer, Feb. 22)

"I'm really not looking for a medal .... I just believe that it's the right thing to do, and therefore I must try."

--Gov. Martin O'Malley, discussing his attempt to abolish capital punishment in Maryland (washingtonpost.com, Feb. 18)