The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1914-03-07


like confidence in the direction of cid
ers and frequently submit their
troubles to persons unqualified to di-
rect, not knowing the ways of God,
and possibly controlled by selfish mo-
tives and oblivious to the sacred
rights of friendship. AS result they
are placed upon wrong road OF
thought and aspiration; life is rem
dered for them unhappy, aimless, dan
gerous: they are rendered eft for
nothing" a drag and drudge for
time, and possibly 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. God,
as a most loving Father, takes an in
terest in the welfare of His children,
and has determined the part every
one is to hold in this world. This
part is to be recognized by certain
signs or marks. When God calls a
person to the religious state He in
infinite goodness gives him the neces-
sary physical, intellectual and moral
qualities required to accomplish the
end for which He calls Thus if the
person desires to enter teaching or
der, he should possess the capability
of acquiring the desired instruction
and training to be useful in school, In
case a lack of talents exists, he may
| be assigned to one of the many tenn
| ov~1r o&n Trnafn1 writ
the teaching orders, where valuable
service may be rendered to the com
munity.
With the possession of professional
qualifications, a person called to the
religious life must have desire and
inclination for that state; the general
current of his feeling and affection
should drift toward particular insti
tute; he must desire to lead therein q
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 brotherhood or sister
hood, as we'll as a want of money, il
no indication that the call does no
come from God. Certainly, legitimate
doubts may arise, as the care of ageC
parents, personal debts, i'll health
weak minds and a too scrupulous con
science. By referring the case to the
confessor, accompanied with sin
cere prayer to the Sacred Heart, ont
has every reason to presume upol
receiving consolation in troubles ant
a wise direction.
Some chosen souls fear to ammo.
the confessor with such matters
matters unhappily, which they under
value as to consequences for them
selves and others. They hesitate tt
approach a devoted teacher, an al
fectionate parent, a Jealous prizes
on the subject of their vocation, an
ticipating that they may be. consid
cred as over-rating their worth, thei
piety or goodness of heart, aiming to-
; high in their aspirations. To &C
in such a way would decidedly b.
a great mistake and very false ster
step that might work irreparabl
ruin to ones future happiness an
deprive the religious state of a YER
efficient member. Helped by the pru
dent and wise direction of confess
or, some great sinners we're convert
ed, became the chosen flowers in tn
garden of sanctity within the monas
tic or convent walls. Parents and Ca
tholic teachers are most happy, whe
consulted, to give the encouragin
word, the honest advice, to the youn
so willing and generous for the intel
!, ests of the Sacred Heart, the Catht
lie education of youth. 1t is of specis
Importance in consulting the confei
: sor to make a clear and honest stat,
ment of facts. 1t is advisable not {
make many the repository of one
!. motives, views and intentions respec
ing the religious state under consi'
Y Grafton; better consult the few, we
g informed and well capable of givin
o proper direction.
n Prominently necessary is earne!
t and fervent prayer in this most in
a portant affair one should go often |
J. confession, approach the holy tab
d frequently with the permission of h
: confessor, and beg the Sacred Hea
l. and our immaculate mother for DR.