George Matulaitis Journal

c. After that we have to try to observe these directives with all our hearts. Even the best and wisest rules are useless unless they are built into the foundation of our lives. It is better to have fewer rules and regulations, but to keep them. And we must be careful to set up and retain only those that are in harmony with our pur- pose—those that are practical and observable. While these newly made rules are put into practice, it would be a good idea for each of us to jot down our comments about how suc- cessful we have been in keeping them, what obstacles or difficulties we experienced, what benefit we have reaped or loss we have sus- tained—and, in general what could be improved or changed, etc. The same procedure could be followed with our old directives, if, in the course of time, it should become apparent that changes are need- ed. These matters should be the superiors’ special concern. d. Furthermore, after the directives have been tested suffi- ciently, the members of the Community should come together to discuss their observations and experiences, or else the collected material could be sent to a special committee which would sys- tematize it and make use of it to implement the needed changes. e. Finally, the corrected and tested regulations should again be given out to be observed. Then, they can be included in our book of experience as fairly stable rules. The same method could be used not only with our directives but also with rules and regulations applicable to our work, institutions, etc., even to the entire Congregation in certain situations. For not only every member, but the Congregation itself must seek perfection and make constant progress… I shall try to put this into practice. October 22 As the foundation of all our actions and plans we must always lay the stone of a holy life. Only then will our work have a secure base on which to stand. We should never begrudge either time or effort to seek spiritual perfection. This, the most important task of all, requires our 34