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Legion HANDBOOK D10944_1 26/02/2014 15:53 Page 299

CHAPTER 39 CARDINAL POINTS OF THE LEGION APOSTOLATE 299
conformed to by all. He must not assume that those who
differ from him in various ways, who refuse to receive him or
even oppose him, are necessarily unworthy persons.
There are many people whose actions seem open to
criticism, but the legionary is not to be the critic. Too often
such persons are like the saints who were wrongly accused.
Again, the lives of many are unsightly with grave abuses. But
God alone sees the heart and can judge as to the real position.
For, as Gratry says: “Many lack the benefit of primitive
education. They are born without moral patrimony, and
perhaps as food for their journey through this difficult life
have received only perverted maxims and examples. But
likewise, nothing will be asked of anyone but that which has
been given to him.”
There are many, too, who parade their riches and whose lives
are far from mortified. Of these it is the spirit of the day to
speak in bitter words. But here again the legionary must reflect.
There is always the possibility that such persons may resemble
Nicodemus, who came to our Lord secretly by night, and who
did much for him, won him many friends, loved him truly, and
in the end had the unique privilege of assisting at his burial.
The role of legionaries is never to be that of judge or critic.
They must always consider how Mary’s soft eyes would look
on all those circumstances and persons. Then let them try to
act as she would act.
It was one of Venerable Edel Quinn’s practices never to find
fault without referring the matter to the Blessed Virgin.

22. OUTLOOK ON ADVERSE CRITICISM
Frequently in these pages, reference is made to the
paralysing effect exercised upon even the best-intentioned by
the fear of hostile criticism. Hence, it will be helpful to
consider the following principle. A main object of the
Legion—that by which it will win its widest results—is the
creation of high standards of thought and practice. The
members set themselves to live the apostolic life, and thereby
hold up a lofty headline of lay life. By virtue of the strange
instinct which leads men to imitate, even in spite of
themselves, those things which impress them, all will be