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Legion HANDBOOK D10944_1 26/02/2014 15:53 Page 248

248 SUGGESTIONS AS TO WORKS CHAPTER 37
rightly held in extreme abhorrence the spirit of aloofness, of keeping
at a distance, of exaggerated dignity which, sometimes on principle,
sometimes from thoughtlessness, at times from pure selfishness,
makes superiors and masters almost inaccessible to those whose
training and formation God has entrusted to them. St. John Bosco
never forgot the words: ‘Have they made thee ruler? Be not lifted up;
be among them as one of them: have care of them.’ (Sir 32)”
(Cardinal Bourne)

8. THE BOOK-BARROW
Legionaries might conduct a book-barrow or a portable
bookstall in a public place, preferably in or near some busy
street. Experience has shown the immense value of this as a
legionary work. There is no more efficacious way of carrying
on a comprehensive apostolate directed to the good, the
mediocre, and the bad, or of bringing the Church to the
notice of the unthinking many. Therefore the Legion
earnestly desires that in every large centre there should be at
least one of these.
It should be made so as to afford the greatest possible
display of titles. It should be stocked with an abundant supply
of inexpensive religious publications. Legionaries would form
the staff.
Besides those whose primary purpose is to look through the
stock with a view to purchase, almost every type of person
will be drawn towards this. Catholics desirous to talk with
their co-religionists; the thoughtless and the indifferent,
killing time or led by curiosity; the mildly-interested who are
not of the Church, and who would be reluctant to place
themselves more directly in touch with it. All these will enter
into conversation with the gentle and sympathetic legionaries
in charge, who should be trained to look upon the enquiries
and purchases as so many openings for the establishment of
friendly contact. The latter will be utilised to lead on all of
those encountered to a higher plane of thought and action.
Catholics would be induced to join “something Catholic.”
Non-Catholics would be helped towards an understanding of
the Church. One person will leave determined to undertake
daily Mass and Holy Communion; another to become a
legionary, active – or auxiliary, or a Patrician; a third to make
his peace with God; another bearing in his heart the seeds of