George Matulaitis Journal

70 We do not intend to differ from other people either by our clothes or in other externals. 1 Our priests will wear the same clothing as that worn by serious, pious priests in whatever country we happen to live and work. Occasions may arise when it is advisable for our priests to wear secular clothes so that they may work more effectively for the glory of God. Similarly, lay brothers would dress much the same as good Catholics of the same class and occupation as they are engaged in. The reason for this is to be able to reach all kinds of people more easily and to bring the Spirit of Christ to all classes and social strata. By not setting ourselves apart from others in our outward appearance, we may be able to come closer to all types of people and give them an example of genuine Catholic life as far as we can. Those of us who are priests should also be models of the priestly life. Let us try to stand out not in some external manner, but rather spiritually, in our holiness of life, in our sound and authentic Catholic doctrine, in our resourcefulness at work, in our truly conscientious fulfillment of our duties, in our love of God and neighbor, our industry, firmness of faith, and zeal. In seeking various methods of, and approaches to our work, we should consider not so much whether or not they have already been used, but whether they are effective and how effective they would be in our work for the greater glory of God and for the salvation of souls. One important problem is how we are to reconcile individual initiative and obedience. Our way of life demands that people be able to act independently and appropriately according to the occasion; but, on the other hand, that people be conscious of their religious commitment—able to unite initiative and independence with humble, perfect obedience and flexible enough to adapt themselves to the rest of the Community. Little good can result from a situation in which a superior wants to do everything himself, does not trust other people, but tries to make decisions about every tiny detail. A superior should have enough modesty and humility to delegate various tasks to others. Once he has selected capable people, he should allow them to act 1 Matulaitis’s reforms required the Marians to discard the traditional white habit for less conspicuous clerical clothes.