The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1914-07-04

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pulse of their nature-repose a child
| like confidence in the discretion of
elders, and frequently submit their
troubles to persons unqualified to
direct, not knowing the ways of God,
and possibly controlled by selfish mo-
| of friendship. AS result they are
| placed upon a wrong road of thought
and aspiration-life is rendered for
them unhappy, aimless, dangerous
they are rendered eft for nothing" a
drag and drudge for time, and pos
sibly lost for eternity.
For the benefit of such the writer
requests the pleasure of presenting a
| few thoughts-thoughts that may
prove helpful and suggestive. When
God calls person to the religious
state He, in infinite goodness, gives
him the necessary physical, intellec-
tual and moral qualities required to
accomplish the end for which He calls.
Thus if the person desires to enter a
teaching order he should possess the
] capability of acquiring the desired in
struction and training. In case lack
of talents exists, he may be assigned
to one of the many temporal employ
ments connected with the teaching Or
ders where valuable service may be
rendered to the community.
With the possession of professional
| qualifications a person called to the
religious life must have a desire and
inclination for that state-the general
current of his feeling and affection
should drift towards a particular insti-
tute; he must desire to lead therein
holier life, to please God, save his
soul, do more good, avoid the dangers
of living in the world. The religious
state is not to be entered to comply
with the desire of parents or in search
for honors, pleasures and wealth.
A wavering in ones desire or inten-
ton to enter a Brotherhood or Sister
hood, as we'll as want of money,
is no indication that the call does not
come from God. Certainly legitimate
doubts may arise, as the care of aged
parents, personal debts, i'll health or
|
the confessor, accompanied with sin
cere prayer to the Sacred Heart, one
has every reason to presume upon re-
ceiving consolation in troubles and a
wise direction.
Some chosen souls fear to annoy
the confessor with such matters-mat-
tiers, unhappily, which they undervalue
as to consequences for themselves and
others They hesitate to approach a
devoted teacher, an affectionate
parent, Jealous priest on the subject
of their vocation, anticipating that
they may be considered as oVer-rating
their worth, their piety or goodness of
heart-aiming too high in their as
pirations. To act in such way would
decidedly be great mistake and
might work irreparable ruin to ones
future happiness and deprive the re,
ligious state of very efficient mem
Der. Helped by the prudent and wise
direction of confessors, some great
sinners were converted, became the
chosen flowers in the garden of sane,
tity within the monastic or convent
walls. Parents and Catholic teachers
| are most happy, when consulted to
give the encouraging word, the honest
advice to the young, so willing and
generous for the interests of the Sa
cred Heart-the Catholic education
of youth. 1t is of special Importance
in consulting the confessor to make g
clear and honest statement of facts
It is advisable not to make many the
repository of ones motives, views
and intentions respecting the relig
ious state under consideration-bett
consult the few, well informed, and
we'll capable of giving proper direc
ton.
Prominently necessary is earnest
and fervent prayer in this most i'm
portant affair-one should approach
the Holy Table frequently with the
permission of his confessor, and beg
the Sacred Heart and our Immaculate
, Mother for protection and direction
AS a valuable aid in the study of ones
vocation, it is suggested to all desiring
to enter the religious state to write
to a member representing the com
munity Of ones choice for a small
book of instructions-man Sister
hoods and Brotherhoods are provided
with booklets of this nature.
A piously inclined person, with z
cheerful disposition, happy heart, dis
posed to obey and having the desire tC
enter the novitiate upon trial, viii
certainly receive a warm and gracious
welcome to any religious community
the religious state is not intended tc
be the anchoring ground for the
worlds wrecks and hard to please
for the sour hearts and gloomy faces
i If it be a noble calling to educate
the heart and intellect Of the young
to shape the future of country by
moulding youth according to the prin
ciples of religion and morality-pre
pairing the young for the responsible
ties of life and happiness beyond the
grave, it is prominently calling
most pleasing to God and one of merit
and glory for heaven.