George Matulaitis Journal

342 immorality. I shall promote love, justice, temperance, and I shall bring you God’s grace in the holy sacraments. I shall take care to be both father and friend. I shall be the friend of little children so that they learn to know God, to pray, to obey, and to lead orderly lives. I shall defend their innocence and guard them from sin and scandal. I shall be the friend of the poor and the afflicted. I shall console the destitute and urge the rich to share their bounty. I shall never turn anyone away . Living in harmony with everyone, I shall do my best to have love reign among us: that there be no quarrels, no hatred or injury. I wish to be forgiving to those who do evil, a support for the weak, and a refuge for the good. Momentous duties await me. I shall spare no effort but shall expend all my strength to fulfill them. I shall take care, like Christ, to look after you, to be everything to you. I am prepared to lay down my life for the truth. I want nothing more, but to be your father and shepherd, a dis- ciple of Christ. My field of endeavor—the kingdom of Christ (the Church militant); my party—Christ. I trust that God’s grace will be with me and will properly order my every step. What can I expect of you? If from now on we are to be one large family, then we must work together. I shall pray for you, and you must pray for me. This I ask of you most fervently. Ask God to enlighten me, to strengthen me, and to help me in my work. Your duty— to open your hearts to the word of God: “Anyone who listens to you, listens to me” (Lk 10:16). Open your hearts to me! It is true that my duties are difficult, but I am full of hope that God will help me fulfill them. I greet all of you in the name of God, our Father , who in His Providence has given me this Diocese; in the name of Jesus Christ , by whose grace I have been sent here; and in the name of the Holy Spirit, given to us to dwell within us and make us children of God. I greet all of you who are gathered here and also those who are at home, both the just and the sinners. I come to you with love and, therefore, have no doubt that you will return love for love. May the most tender Heart of Jesus unite us all so that all our desires and efforts be for the glory of God. Holy Immaculately Conceived Mother of God who shine out from the Gate of Dawn, protect and care for us! I entrust myself and my fold to you. Grant that war may end and peace return! That hatred be ban- ished and universal love reign! Reconcile us with your Son so that we