Page 223 - 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 218

218 DUTIES OF OFFICES OF PRAESIDIA CHAPTER 34
8. He shall note the fact that a member is absenting himself
from the meetings; and then, by writing or otherwise,
endeavour to prevent a complete falling away from
membership.
It is obvious that between those whose membership is never
in doubt and those who drop out at once through unsuit ability,
there must be a large intermediate class whose persever ance in
member ship will depend upon external or accidental
circumstances, and whom the special care of a kindly member -
ship officer would preserve in membership. Be it remembered,
too, that the keeping of a member is more important to the
Legion than the gaining of a new member. Thus the work of
this officer, if faithfully carried through, would be directly
responsible for a multitude of good actions and spiritual
victories, would rapidly lead to the formation of new praesidia,
and would in itself be an apostolate of quite a special kind.
9. He shall see to it that the duty of prayer for the deceased
members is not neglected. That duty is defined elsewhere in a
special section.
10. He shall visit the sick members, or secure that they are
visited by other legionaries.
11. He shall supervise the other members in their efforts to
gain auxiliary — and particularly adjutorian — members, and
then to keep in touch with them.
“The novices expressed to Saint Thérèse their surprise at seeing her
guess their inmost thoughts. ‘Here is my secret’, she explained to
them, ‘I never make an observation to you without invoking the
Blessed Virgin. I ask her to enlighten me as to what will do you the
most good; and I am often astounded at the things which I then
teach you. I feel, while I am speaking to you, that I am not deceived
in believing that Jesus is speaking to you by my mouth.’ ” (St. Thérèse
of Lisieux)

4. THE SECRETARY
1. The Secretary shall attend the meetings of the Curia.
2. On the Secretary devolves the responsibility of keeping
the minutes of the praesidium. Great pains should be taken
with the preparation of the minutes, which should be read in