George Matulaitis Journal

133 the image of Jesus hard at work. 2. While working, to lift up my heart to God and remain in union with Him. 3. To mortify myself in the following manner: a) to use the discipline twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays; b) to make my morning examination ofconscience by lying on the floor in the form of a cross as often as possible; c) to perform my duties as superior with greater diligence. Whenever I noticed the faults and defects of my subjects, I would try to speak about them or about the opposing virtue, while commenting on our Constitutions or during spiritual reading, hoping that they would make note of it and correct their behavior. I would rarely confront the offender himself with his faults. This was due to a mistaken courtesy and kindness. I am now convinced that most of my subjects did not think of applying my comments to themselves. It is necessary to draw attention to their faults directly; only then do they pay attention. Therefore, I intend to overcome my imprudent, so-called gentleness and courtesy or, to put it more exactly, my own self-love, cowardice, and timidity and draw atten- tion to each one’s faults in a direct and straightforward manner so that they could correct them. I shall do this as kindly and gently as I can and only in private, not in the presence of others. I intend to require monthly reports from each one and to make sure that they are done properly. Those who do not come to me of their own accord I shall have to summon or visit personally. The best course will be to use a list of questions and to go over them with each one. I am convinced that this method is good because some matter for discussion usually turns up. It is a good opportunity to counsel and instruct a person, to set him straight, and to help him change his ways. Therefore, I resolve to have the monthly reports made as thoroughly as possible in our house. 4. As for myself, I shall give my own report to my adviser and admon- itor, Father Wi > niewski. 1 The superior needs someone to admonish and correct him, and especially to tell him the real truth. Can there be any greater service than this? God, You know my weakness, strengthen me! O Blessed Virgin Mary, I commend myself to your protection. 1 Marian Wi > niewski (1885-1967): had been Matulaitis’s student at the Seminary in Kielce and in St. Petersburg; ordained in 1911, he joined the Marians in Fribourg that same year. Was Novice Master (1914 to 1918). After WWI, he returned to Poland and helped organize the Marians there. Later, he worked in various Marian missions in the USA, England, and Portugal. He became well known as a spiritual director and pas- tor.