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Legion HANDBOOK D10944_1 26/02/2014 15:53 Page 171

CHAPTER 29 LEGION LOYALTY 171
proposed change of rule, and given sufficient time to signify
their views on the subject. The views may be signified
through their representatives actually present at the
Concilium meeting or by writing.
“Thus God’s power, indeed is infinite but it is still subordinate to
his wisdom and his justice; his justice, again, is infinite, but it, too, is
subordinate to his love; and his love, in turn, is infinite, but it is
subordinate to his incommunicable sanctity. There is an
understanding between attribute and attribute, so that one does not
interfere with the other, for each is supreme in its own sphere; and
thus an infinitude of infinities, acting each in its own order, are
combined together in the infinitely simple unity of God.” (Bl. John
Henry Newman: Order, the Witness and Instrument of Unity)

29

LEGIONARY LOYALTY

The whole idea of organisation is the unification of the
many. From the member up through the ascending grades of
authority in the Legion must the principle of connection
exist, and in the measure that it is wanting, will there be a
departure from the principle of life.
In a voluntary organisation, the cement of this connection
is loyalty; the loyalty of the member to the praesidium, of the
praesidi um to its Curia, and so on through the ascending
grades of legionary authority to the Concilium Legionis; and
to the ecclesiastical authori ties everywhere. True loyalty will
inspire legionary and praesidium and council with a dread of
independent action. On all doubtful points, in all difficult
situations, and with regard to every new work or novel
departure, recourse must be had to appropriate authority for
guidance and sanction.
The fruit of loyalty is obedience, and the test of the latter is
the readiness to accept situations and decisions which are
unpalatable and — let it be remarked — to accept them
cheerfully. This prompt and cordial obedience is always
difficult. Sometimes, to give it violates one’s natural