George Matulaitis Journal

A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN RUSSIA Grum, Sapieha, Teodorowicz, and I participated in a discussion about various Church matters. Here I have set down some of what was said on this occasion. 1. Why does the Catholic faith spread so little among the Orthodox? What should be done about it? a) We need true shepherds—both pastors and bishops, who would give the Russians good example. As it is, they say: “Things are bad with us, but they are even worse among you Catholics!” b) Our Catholic parishes should be exemplary and well-organized. c) Catholics, and especially the clergy, should try to make contact with the Orthodox: to mingle with them, live among them, always living an exemplary life. d) To work in a positive way, avoiding criticism. Simple people do not understand dogmatic differences and errors. Ideals attract them, the faith itself. Therefore, we must avoid attacking and criticizing the Orthodox faith. e) We should pray for conversions. It would be a good idea to create a special society for this purpose. f) In my opinion, it would be possible to spread the Catholic faith among the Orthodox through the laity, if they were specially trained and organized for this. With Grum we discussed how lay brothers could be trained as effective catechists. In my view, even in our work among Catholics, we will not be able to manage without lay catechists. Since atheism has become so widespread and so many people have left the Church, many places and many people can be reached only through the laity. Right now we need to draw more people into our apostolate—our own lay bothers and the laity in general. g) In order to attract the Orthodox, we, the clergy, should be able to rise above all political and nationalistic prejudice and seek only the greater glory of God, the salvation of souls, and the good of the Church. 2. What are the most pressing needs of the Catholic Church in 120