Page 194 - 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 189

CHAPTER 32 OBJECTIONS WHICH MAY BE ANTICIPATED 189
problems of modern civilisation. For it or any other city-
community the feeling that all is safeguarded by a visitation —
however fruitful — once, twice, four times in the year is not
justified. If all is well, for instance, many will be approaching
the altar daily, more weekly, and all at least once monthly.
Why then do four or five hours a week in the Confessional so
often suffice? Whence the dreadful dispro portion?
Again, what degree of intimacy, or at least of personal
touch, is required to satisfy the pastoral obligation towards
each soul under its care: that soul which, as St. Charles
Borromeo used to say, was diocese enough for a bishop? A
simple calculation will show what even half-an-hour a year
for each would mean in all. And would that half-an-hour be
sufficient contribution? St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, in
addition to countless interviews, wrote 200 letters to one
difficult soul. How many legionary pursuits have lasted ten
years and more, and are still in progress! Yet, if the harassed
priest cannot spare even that half-hour; and if (as is claimed)
the Legion will supply him with zealous representatives:
many where he is one: obedient to his every word: of solid
discretion: as capable (with his help) as he of gaining access to
individuals and families: of irresistible gifts to entice souls to
higher things: affording him the opportunity of giving souls
more than a routine service; is it fair to his work and to
himself to refuse that help?
“The Legion of Mary brings to the priest two blessings of
equal value: first, an instrument of conquest which bears the
authentic mark of the Divine Spirit — and I shall ask myself
the question: Have I the right to neglect such a providential
weapon? Secondly, a spring of living water capable of
renewing our whole interior life — and I shall be brought
naturally to a further question: If this pure and deep spring of
life is offered to me, is it not my duty to drink of it?” (Canon
Guynot)

10. “I fear possible indiscretions on the part of members”
There is lack here of a sense of the realities of the position.
As well refuse to reap a harvest because some ears may be
spoiled by clumsy handling! The harvest at stake is souls: