George Matulaitis Journal

125 1912 There are only two short entries in the Journal during the whole year of 1912. It was a busy and difficult year. The Marians had rented a small house on the rue Pére Girard and had moved in. In order to avoid attracting unnecessary attention to his little community, Father Matulaitis called their new home a House of Studies. Despite all his precautions, however, rumors soon began to spread at the University of Fribourg that a suspicious group of modernists and radicals had established itself on the very doorstep of the university. One of the lay professors went so far as to complain to Rome. Matulaitis was called in by the university authorities and asked to explain his activities. February 3 Today we made our monthly retreat with the help of God. I have calmed down and renewed my spirit. My resolutions for the coming month are as follows: 1. to use my time well so that I do not lose even a moment. I have noticed that my imagination is often a source of distraction while I am working. Some nagging thought occupies my mind and carries me off to heaven knows where. 2. I must devote all my energy to the Congregation and make a greater effort to concentrate on preparing the Instructions. Lord Jesus, give me strength and perseverance. O Blessed Virgin Mary, immaculately conceived, protect me. November 18 For a long, long time I have not written anything down in this little notebook. But during this period I have had to endure a great deal. Let it all be for the glory of God. May all these hurts, trials, sufferings, and heartaches be banked as penance for the sins of my past life. When I became a religious, I did not expect people to hinder me so much in following the footsteps of Christ. If only I did follow them