Theological Foundations new file

123 The Ecclesial Dimension *** The warm and loving attitude towards the Church and its shepherds, which is so characteristic for Father Papczynski’s spirituality, is also reflected in the teaching of Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz. It is expressed, among others, in the words of encouragement contained in his religious constitutions and directed to his confreres, advising them to show the greatest reverence, love and devotion to the Catholic Church and to adhere wholeheartedly to the representatives of the Church hier- archy. 26 Both the congregation as such and its individual members must try in everything they do, only to promote the greater glory of God and to seek their own and their neighbor’s salvation with the Catholic Church, in the Church, and through the Church. Therefore, they should always remain in very close communication with the Holy See, with the Local Ordinaries and with the entire Catholic Hierarchy. They should consider themselves humble servants of the Catholic Hierarchy and try to give it all the help they can within the norms of their constitutions. They should always try to choose work that is more humble, difficult, and dangerous, but which is of greater benefit to the Church and the souls. 27 And when Blessed George encourages them to conform their will to the will of God, to submit themselves to it and fulfill it, he also encourages them to observe the commandments of God, of the Church and their own constitutions faithfully. 28 According to Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz, our love of the Church is to manifest itself in service to God’s people, to the priests and bishops. “We must be especially loyal to and cooperative with bishops. We should sometimes even offer our services to be used in whatever man- ner they consider best for the glory of God. We should be particularly available to take up the duties and tasks that no one else wants and to go to dangerous places. Priests and bishops should be held in highest esteem; let none of us dare to speak ill of priests or censure them. And if at times we happen to observe anything evil among the clergy, by penance, self-denial, prayer, sacrifices, good works and zeal, let us do our best to compensate for it and cover it with a mantle as good sons