George Matulaitis Journal

58 My resolutions for the coming month are as follows: 1. to live in clos- er union with God and to remain always in His presence as far as I can; 2. to become more adept at self-conquest by following my daily schedule more exactly, by using my time more productively, and by denying myself one thing or another at meals; 3. to finish reading the directives for women’s religious communities; 4. to write an article about spiritual direction for Vadovas . 1 The superior should be careful not to restrict, inhibit, or destroy the sound initiative shown by his subjects, but rather, support and foster it, directing it reasonably along the proper channels so that it would be in harmony with the other duties of his subjects, with the tasks in which that particular house is engaged, and with the efforts and goals of the entire Congregation. Naturally, some projects and suggestions may come up that would require a person to devote his whole time to them and be released from every other duty. And so, while we should be careful not to stifle the spirit of our subjects, to let them grow and work as produc- tively as possible, yet we should never allow the reins to slip from our hands nor relinquish proper supervision. Some projects may be too impractical or unreasonable, and the superior cannot approve of them. The superior general should see to it that his subjects not so much fear as love him. When he is visiting his subjects, he should encourage them, lift up their spirits, and cheer them up. He should show that he cares about each individual, about his work and his concerns and about the field of work in which that particular house is engaged. If it is necessary to make some changes, he should not be impatient or irritable. If possible, he ought to support whatever the local superior has decided and if new rules or regulations are required, it is better for the local superiors to introduce them into their own houses after the superior general has gone. If some- thing needs immediate attention, however, he must make the change himself, but if there is no such pressing need, then it is better to leave the matter to the local superiors so as not to diminish their authority. 1 Vadovas (The Guide) was a Catholic monthly magazine published in the city of Sejny in Lithuania from 1908 to 1914. Matulaitis contributed articles to it.