George Matulaitis Journal

116 visited my cousin at the Bel-etir hotel. At 5:15 I left Montreux for Lausanne-Fribourg. Three members of our Community came to meet me, and I went home to the Canisianum 1 with them. We all greeted each other warmly, then ate supper and went in to evening prayer. TOPICS DISCUSSED WITH FATHER GRUM 1. We talked about the spiritual exercises practiced in our community. I outlined our daily schedule for him and asked whether he thought we had sufficient spiritual exercises. He said they were sufficient and that the Jesuits 2 do not have any more. 2. Up to now we have had no manual labor or domestic work, since we are restricted because of our circumstances and depend on the sisters to whom the boarding house belongs. In place of such work, we concentrate on our studies. 3. Grum asked whether we make use of the discipline, that is, a light flagellation of one’s self—at least on Fridays. He said that, generally speaking, it is a good practice, although it may be harmful for certain individuals. I answered that this practice has not been introduced as mandatory for all, but some are using it—there is freedom of choice. Each one can consult his confessor in this matter. I said that in place of this practice, which is both negative and problematic, other acts of mortification can be substituted, for instance, work and self-denial in small things, etc. In these matters I prefer to allow the freedom of the children of God. 3 Here the important thing is that each one understand the need for mortification and practice it, choosing those means which are most effective. 4. We discussed the matter of studies and I asked him who should supervise the students and what we must do about taking examinations. We agreed that they should take the examinations in those subjects which they are studying, at least in the most important ones. We have to appoint a Prefect of Studies, because so far I have been doing it all. This will have to continue awhile until someone else can spare the time. Right now they are all busy with their studies. 5. Grum suggested that everyone ought to have an afternoon snack. I 1 The Canisianum was one of three student boarding houses near the University of Fribourg. The Marians lived here first, but soon moved into a rented house. 2 Matulaitis was asking Grum’s advice in these matters because he had studied with the Jesuits at Innsbruck and had followed the same way of life as the Jesuit novices and scholastics. 3 The original Latin phrase is “sancta filiorum Dei libertas” (cf., Rom 8:21).