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Legion HANDBOOK D10944_1 26/02/2014 15:53 Page 82

82 MEMBERSHIP CHAPTER 13
8. Once the candidate is deemed qualified, there should be
no delay in taking the Promise. Two or more candidates may
be received simultaneously. But this is not desirable. The
greater the number of those received at the one time, the less
solemn the ceremony becomes for each of them.
9. The ceremony of reception may constitute an ordeal for
specially sensitive persons. But such are really favoured,
inasmuch as the ceremony possesses for them a particular
solemnity and seriousness which will have its effect upon
their subsequent membership.
10. The duty of welcoming candidates, instructing them in
their duties, and fostering them through their probation
period and afterwards, is allocated in a special manner to the
Vice-President; but this is a duty in which all should take a
part.
11. If a candidate for some reason does not wish to take the
Promise, his probation may be extended for a further period
of three months. The praesidium has the right to postpone
the Promise until it is sure of the suitability of the candidate.
Similarly, it is only fair that the candidate be given ample
opportunity of making up his mind. But at the end of that
supplementary period, the candidate must either take the
Promise without mental reservation or leave the praesidium.
If a member, after having taken the Promise, subsequently
rejects it in his mind, he is in honour bound to leave the
Legion.
The probation and the Promise are the gateway of the
Legion. That gateway must not lie negligently open for
unsuitable material to enter in, to lower standards and to
dilute spirit.
12. The Spiritual Director is under no obligation to take the
Promise. But it would be legitimate and pleasing and an
honour to the praesidium for him to do so.

13. The Promise should be reserved for its own proper
purpose. It shall not be used as an Act of Consecration at the
Acies or other functions. But of course it may be used, as
desired, by legionaries in their private devotions.