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Legion HANDBOOK D10944_1 26/02/2014 15:53 Page 231

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SUGGESTIONS AS TO WORKS

In this chapter are set down methods, shown by general
experi ence to be especially fruitful, of employing the work-
obligation of the Legion. They represent, however, only
suggestions, and particular needs may call for particular
works. It is urged that enterprising and difficult work should
not be withheld from the Legion, which is admirably adapted
to the doing of such work. Trivial tasks will react
unfavourably on the spirit of the legionaries.
As a principle, every praesidium should be doing some work
which can be called heroic. Even at the beginning it should
not be impossible to find two members with a heart for such
adventure, and let them be assigned to it. Then their example
will be a headline towards which their fellow-members will
almost automatically ascend. When the general level has in
this way been lifted, the original intrepid two should again be
sent in pursuit of the heroic. This progressive pioneering
provides a means of continually raising standards. For the
natural limitations do not exist in the super natural order. The
more one plunges into God, the wider become the horizons,
and the greater the possibilities.
But at once there is dissent. The idea of running risks for
religion disturbs a lot of people. These make the air resound
with cries of “improper” and “imprudent.” But the world is
not talking in that weak way, and the Legion should not be
less spirited. If a work is necessary to souls, and if a high
headline is vital to the forming of the character of the
Christian community, then caution must take a second place
and courage must precede it. Weigh these words of Cardinal
Pie: “When prudence will be everywhere, then courage will
no longer be anywhere. You will find that we will die of
prudence.”
Do not let the Legion die of prudence.

1. APOSTOLATE IN THE PARISH
Some of the ways in which the legionaries may help the
growth of a true community spirit are as follows:
(a) Visitation of the homes of the people. (see No. 2, of this
chapter);

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