Lest You Remain

4 God’s goodness and wisdom, despite countless obstacles, begins and carries out whatever it wants, even though the means, by human standards, are thoroughly inad- equate, since there is nothing that is impossible to the Almighty. This appeared clear- ly in me, the most wretched, the most disdain-worth sinner, the most shabby and inad- equate tool [used by God] to set up the most miserable and littlest Congregation of the Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. I was full of: an improper spirit, no grace, little prudence, all too meager, good for dreams, rather than such a great effort. Yet, God alone, God (to whom belong eternal and everlasting glory and thanks) who, once He impelled me to do this task in His providence, that is with love, mercy, wisdom, and wonder, He has performed it Himself, and continues to do so for ever and ever. (Fundatio Domus Recollectionis) 5 Not a small number of very respectable Orders invited me to join them, me the unwilling, and yielding for a greater perfection. God’s vision, carved out in my soul, concerning the foundation of the Congregation of the Immaculate Conception, despised all, and after making it impossible for me to return to the Institute of the Pious Schools, compelled me to its aim. [...] I stayed with the nobleman, Mr. Karski for almost two years and I was search- ing for ways to set up a Society of the Immaculate Conception, already formed in my mind by the Divine Spirit. And although some came up to me, both lay and reli- gious, I was reluctant to have them join the ranks, either due to their untried virtue, or due to the lack of space. (Fundatio Domus Recollectionis) 6 First of all, contemplate diligently and steadily the aim of your Congregation. Just as there is one common to all the most holy Orders, so also yours should be as follows: a greater growth in God’s glory and care for one’s own salvation, with a serious pursuit of perfection. Since “what profit would a man show if he were to gain the whole world and destroy himself in the process?” (Mt 16:26). So as not to stand idle in God’s Vineyard, you have to spread the glory of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the best of your ability and Fr. Founder’s Selected Thoughts on the Religious Life 103