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216 DUTIES OF OFFICES OF PRAESIDIA CHAPTER 34
rule in the case of a President, did not experience prove the
contrary.
20. Finally, he must never be found wanting in those things
which a leading authority on the lay apostolate (Cardinal
Pizzardo) insists must characterise in a very special manner
every leader in that movement: the virtue of docility to
ecclesiastical authority, the spirit of self-denial, of charity and
harmony with other organisations and with the individuals
belonging to those organisations.

“From the moment I was given the charge of souls, I saw at a
glance that the task was beyond my strength, and quickly taking
refuge in our Lord’s arms, I imitated those babes who when
frightened hide their faces on their father’s shoulder: ‘thou seest,
Lord,’ I cried, ‘that I am too small to feed thy little ones, but if
through me thou wilt give to each what is suitable, then fill my
hands; and without quitting the shelter of thy arms, or even turning
my head, I will distribute thy treasures to the souls who come to me
asking for food. When they find it to their liking, I shall know that it
is not to me they owe it, but to thee; while if on the contrary they
complain, finding fault with its bitterness, I shall not be at all
disturbed, but shall try to persuade them it comes from thee, and I
will take care to give them none other’.” (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)

3. THE VICE-PRESIDENT
1. It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to attend the
meetings of the Curia.
2. He shall preside at the praesidium meeting in the event
of the absence of the President. It is, however, to be
understood that the post does not carry any right of
succeeding to a vacant presidency.
The following advice, adapted from the Manual of the St.
Vincent de Paul Society, has equal application to the Vice-
President of a praesidium: “When the President is absent,
especially for some time, it should be understood that the
Vice-president has all his powers and stands entirely in his
place. An Association should never stand still for want of a
member, and this would be the case if the members did not
venture to do anything in the President’s absence. It is
therefore not alone his right, but it is a conscientious duty on
the part of the Vice-president to supply fully the place of the