Theological Foundations new file

37 God in the Center which, after all, is characteristic of all religious congregations) in mind at all times and combine it with the care for their own perfection and sal- vation. 42 He ordered the superiors to spare no effort in order to ensure that the worship of God blossomed ever more in all the churches of the congregation. 43 The priests leading this worship should distinguish themselves with true virtues and possess appropriate education. 44 The entire daily routine within the congregation was to be subordi- nated to the idea of worshiping God. 45 This was primarily accomplished through constant prayerful concentration which, in turn, helped to evoke the sense of God’s presence, to glorify Him and to be with Him in a humble and pious manner. God was to be contemplated not only in one’s individual self but also in all His creatures because it is true that “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17, 28). 46 A church or a chapel was to be the special place for nourishing such contact with God. Those who enter there should be convinced that they are entering heav- en. And whenever they happen to walk by in front of the Holy Eucharist, they should humbly kiss the ground thus adoring the Lord of heaven and earth who is really present there. 47 After the evening meditation on Sunday or at some other appropriate time, they are all to gather togeth- er for the purpose of listening to a spiritual conference or to some appro- priate reading in order to enliven in themselves the love of God and the zeal in His service. 48 The Founder of the Marians realized that the proclamation of the Word of God contributes in a special way to the spreading of God’s glory so he ordered that particular attention be paid to this ministry. The preachers should possess adequate education and distinguish themselves with good manners, so that they might proclaim the Word of God with a salutary benefit to their listeners, teaching and encouraging them to what is good. In all of this, the preachers are to seek the glory of God rather than their own and to stimulate the faithful to a change of their ways, to the love and fear of God. 49 Those who are teachers should ful- fill their duties willingly and diligently always keeping in mind the glory of God and the benefit of the faithful. 50