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I – First Step—Projects for Groups without Promises or Vows

In approaching the writings concerning Venerable Chaminade’s ETAT, we should keep in mind that he was stepping onto an untrodden field, unaware of any precedents for his plans for “religious life in the world.” He had necessarily to advance cautiously and build upon gradually-obtained experience, as well as inspiration from above.

The diversity of his approaches will impress us. We have to remember that not all his writings represent plans that actually came into existence. Some of the thoughts he confided to paper, some of the plans of organization that he dreamed up never saw the light of day. It is fortunate however that these document have been preserved, for they show us today his light of thought as he progressed. What is unfortunate is that all documents no longer exist, especially those which were actually used by members of his groups.

Example:  46 (e) Religious State Embraced by Christians Dispersed in the World

. . . The points that distinguish them especially are:

1. The greater union between them, loving each other sincerely, ready to render services to each other at all times, in health and in sickness, praying and having praying said for those who are dead.

2. Their submission to the Director and to the Center. They should have the greatest openness of soul toward the Director; the Director should be as their father, they should be as his children.

3. Their devotion to the Blessed Virgin. All the motives of this devotion are included in the act of their Consecration.

4. The practices: 1. Meeting every 8 days, when the Little Office would be recited [and] a short instruction or a spiritual reading would be made. 2. Office privately every day. 3. Every day, direction of one’s intention in order to put all the works of the day in common. 4. Reunion in spirit at 3 o’clock of the afternoon, in the Heart of Mary, pierced by a sword of sorrow. 5. Rule of life which moreover should be proper to each one. 6 General Communion every month, in common as much as possible.

5. The sacrifice of their tastes, of free time and of a part of their superfluity, under the influence of the Director and of the Center.
 

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