Marianists in a Continuing Mission

The task of rebuilding a Christian world is immense because there is an immense sum of ills in need of healing. But if this task is possible, and it must be, it will be accomplished only by new men. Let the dead bury their own dead--the future belongs to the young and to the courageous!

But youth needs an ideal that can harness its natural enthusi­asm, a warm and strong ideal which can offer both inspiration and support in the more difficult jobs that follow. In contrast with the somber demands of Jansenism which along with the philosophy of the century had led to a sterility of the heart, let us consider the radiant personality of the Immaculate Virgin. And since youth always respects action, let us activate them in the ranks of the Virgin. "The Lord has chosen new wars!" Under the standard of Mary, "Maria duce," the success of these new apostles is certain.  In their saving ministry, these young people would learn to tran­scend themselves and they would be channels of grace for many apparently hopeless men.

In this way Father Chaminade brought himself to the point of looking on the future with new eyes. He has all the qualities needed by a man who would rebuild: a sense of realism mixed with an expanded sense of what is possible, clarity and breadth of vision, untiring patience and above all faith. Would it be presump­tuous of him to believe himself called to promote renewal with the young, a Christian Renaissance in a waiting France?