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Adèle's Association Rule of the "Little Society" Founded by Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon in 1804, the Association or "Little Society" was a group of young women living in postrevolutionary France. Members of the Association devoted themselves to mutual encouragement, spiritual support, and a variety of works aimed at rechristianization of the people. Because they lived in different locales, their primary interaction was through letters; but they did find opportunities to meet for prayer and retreat. This Association eventually merged with the Bordeaux Sodality. At the beginning this Rule, expressing the nature of the Association, consisted of only eight articles. Circumstances led to the addition of other articles. Older women and priests were originally accepted as "affiliated members." After the Association entered into contact with the Sodality of Bordeaux, the older women became members of the Ladies of the Retreat. J.M.J. Every time this document shall be read For the greater glory of God!
Similar gatherings might be held on other days to fan the flames of divine love, to share pious thoughts, and to read edifying letters from absent members. Every day at three o'clock in the afternoon, the associates gather in spirit on Calvary to adore the dead Savior, to unite our death to his, and to make an act of love for his sacred wounds. This is done interiorly and need not disturb one's occupation or one's neighbor. A Mass is said for the Society on the first Friday of each month. Members should unite themselves to it in spirit and make an act of preparation for death according to the advice of Saint Francis de Sales. If sacramental Communion is not possible, an act of spiritual communion is made with great fervor and in the spirit of a viaticum. Each associate will choose as mentor in the ways of the Lord her best friend, the one in whom she has the most confidence. They will mutually point out their failings and support one another in correcting them. Each associate will, as much as possible, seek out another young woman, trying to win her over to God and inspiring her with the desire to serve him and to save herself. The associates must try as much as possible to remain in the constant presence of God and to raise their minds to him by frequent aspirations. Only those persons are to be admitted to join the group who are of tried moral fiber, who mix easily, who are even-tempered and likely to make proselytes, and who stand out because of their virtues, especially of holy modesty manifested principally in their dress. Indecent fashions are taboo, such as short sleeves, sheer scarves, etc., etc. Normally only persons under thirty years of age are accepted. May Jesus, Mary, and Joseph ever live in our hearts. Source: Letters of Adèle de Batz de
Trenquelléon
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