Page 114 - 聖母軍團員手冊（英文版，2014年5月-2022年1月更新版）

Legion HANDBOOK D10944_1 26/02/2014 15:53 Page 112

112 ORDER OF THE PRAESIDIUM MEETING CHAPTER 18
work. The praesidium cannot supervise a work unless it is
fully informed about it.
Generally, the work of the Legion is so difficult that
members, if not stimulated by the minute consideration of
their efforts by the meeting, may be inclined to spare
themselves. This must not be. They are in the Legion to do as
much good as possible; and probably it will be in those very
cases where the natural repugnances assert themselves most
that the greatest need for their work exists. It is mainly
through the meeting that the legionary discipline is exerted
which overcomes those weaknesses and drives the member on
to accomplishment. But if the report gives little indication as
to what the legionary is really doing, then the praesidium can
exert only a vague control over that member’s actions. It will
not stimulate him. It will not safeguard him. He will be
deprived of the interest and guidance of the praesidium and
he cannot afford to be without those vital things. Legionary
discipline loses its grip on that member with unhappy results
all round.
Let it not be forgotten that bad reporting will draw the
other members by the strong chains of imitation. Thereby
one who greatly desires to serve the Legion is found doing it
tragic disservice.
No legionary should be content to give a merely good
report. Why not aim very high, and deliberately set out to
add to the perfect performance of the work a model report to
the praesidium; and thus train the other members both in the
doing of the work and in the way of reporting on it?
“Example,” says Edmund Burke, “is the school of mankind,
and they will learn at no other.” Acting on this, one
individual can raise an entire praesidium to the highest pitch
of efficiency. For the report, though not the whole meeting, is
so much its nerve-centre as to cause everything else in the
praesidium to react in sympathy with it either for better or
worse.
Above, Our Lady has been pointed to as inspiration for one
aspect of the report. But thought of her can aid in every other
aspect. A glance at her statue, before beginning the report,
will ensure that thought. It is certain that anyone, who tries
to make his report as he imagines she would make it, will not
deliver a report which is inadequate from any point of view.