Page 186 - 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 181

CHAPTER 31 EXTENSION AND RECRUITING 181
In places where the Legion already exists, the effort should
be made to provide the officers and a fair proportion of the
new members by transfer from an existing branch. Praesidia
should consider it as the greatest honour to supply their best
material for the formation of a new praesidium. This is the
healthiest form of pruning. A praesidium depleted by such a
gift of its members will find its ranks quickly refill, and its
apostolate attended by an added benediction.
In towns or localities where no branch of the Legion
already exists, it may not be feasible to secure members with
legionary experience, in which case the founders of the new
praesidium must apply themselves all the more assiduously to
the study of the handbook and whatever commentaries may
be available thereon.
In setting up the first praesidium in a new place, it is well
to diver sify its work as much as possible. This will better
ensure the interest of the meetings and thus promote the
health of the praesidi um. Moreover the varying abilities and
tastes of the members can thereby be provided for.
3. There is need for a word of caution on the subject of
recruiting members. There is a real danger that the
requirements may be made too severe. Naturally, the standard
of those who have been members for some time will be
higher than general standards. This must be allowed for in
considering new members. It would be incorrect to insist
upon a standard from a new recruit which the existing
members only reached after some time in the Legion.
It is very common for praesidia to excuse a low recruiting
figure on the ground that suitable material is not available,
but seldom will this explanation be found justified on an
examination of all the circum stances. It is suggested that the
fault lies almost invariably with the praesidium itself. Either:
(a) No serious effort is being made to recruit; which means
that there is individual and collective neglect of duty by the
legionaries;
or
(b) The praesidium is making the mistake of applying to
possible recruits over-stringent tests, such as would have
excluded the bulk of its original and present members.