Theological Foundations new file

129 The Ecclesial Dimension threaten.” 43 The brethren should carry on their apostolate especially in those regions where the Church encounters the greatest difficulties, where it is most oppressed by evil laws, where religious life suffers per- secution or is entirely suppressed. 44 Although Father Renovator sees such vast perspectives for apostolic work, he essentially encourages the brethren to work, first of all, in their native countries and fight for the salvation of the souls of their fellow countrymen. The Catholic countries are plunged in the darkness of idol- atry, and it is there that we must set to work. This, however, does not relieve the brethren of concern for the entire Catholic Church and for all mankind. They should be particularly concerned about the regions of Russia and Siberia where so many souls wander astray because they have no one to guide them. Next comes America with its fervent and tumultuous life. Then we must evangelize the pagan nations and carry our apostolate to the members of other faiths. 45 The zealous shepherd of souls that Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz was, he wanted to make his confreres sensitive to these very important char- acteristics of the apostolate, namely, to zeal and fervor. It is often the case that the sons of darkness surpass the sons of light in diligence, zeal, fortitude and audacity as they toil at their occupations. Therefore, the sons of God should go especially to those places where they can save the most souls, where atheism, immorality and tepidity abound. The place of their work should be in all kinds of societies and institutions, various countries and states, big cities, universities and workers’ unions. They must strive to find their way and penetrate every place where something can be gained for Christ and the Church. 46 In Blessed George’s conviction, the apostolic zeal should impel man to use every opportunity to do something good, render a service, help, encourage, lift someone up towards God. The priests will serve the faith- ful by willingly hearing confessions, proclaiming the Word of God, teaching catechism and giving retreats. The lay brothers, too, can serve the people and attract them to God. 47 The Sacrament of Penance is to play a particularly important role in