“What, then, shall I say about her temperance in food and of her industriousness? She did not eat more than nature required, while her industriousness surpassed natural powers. When working, she allowed herself no respite; when eating, she multiplied her fasts. And when she felt the need for food, she chose ordinary foods, just enough to keep her from dying, rather than delicacies. She slept out of necessity rather than desire, and, even when her body was resting. her spirit kept vigil, either reviewing things she had read, or continuing interrupted thoughts, or considering what she had to do the next day, or planning future tasks.”
Ambrose of Milan, De virginibus 2, 6-16; PL 16, 220-22.
If you are interested in more quotes on Virgin Mary, you can find them in Mary and the Fathers of the Church on Amazon in both in Kindle and paperback formats.
References:
Gambero, L., 1999. Mary and the Fathers of the Church 1st ed. Translated by Buffer, T., San Francisco: Ignatius Press.
