“the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38). They also should remember that the example of their own life—lived with a humble and cheerful spirit—and mutual brotherly love are the best recommendation for the Congregation and an encouragement to embrace religious life. They should also strive to attract youth to God’s service by their own apostolic work, performed with diligence and eagerness. (D 107-111) OT 2; PC 24; CM 356 CHAPTER III ADMISSION TO THE CONGREGATION Gradual Incorporation 166The confreres gradually and ever more completely bind themselves to the Congregation. The first and introductory step of this bond is admission to postulancy. It is followed by admission to the novitiate; then, temporary profession, which is to be renewed several times; and, finally, the unconditional and complete offering and consecration of the confrere to God and the Church, along with his final incorporation into the Congregation, through perpetual vows. CM 97 Right to Admit Candidates 167 Major Superiors admit with the consultative vote of their Council, candidates to the postulancy; with a deliberative vote, candidates to the novitiate and novices or members to profession, whether temporary or perpetual. CM 17, 44, 51, 86 Proper Selection of Candidates 168Just as the Congregation rightly rejoices in the Lord if the number of members increases daily, so it is filled with sorrow and bitterness if there should be admitted to it through ignorance, negligence, or false mercy—whether on the part of Superiors, formators, or any others—those who Constitutions—Part V 136
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