Think Big

     Mother Thecla was in the chapel again. There was something definitely on her mind, and she was praying for the grace not only to understand it herself but also to explain it to the sisters. Actually, if was about an inspiration of the Founder; an inspiration and an invitation to begin another apostolic initiative.

     "I have realized for quite some time," the priest said to Mother Thecla, "that we can write books, many good books, and pile them neatly into the storage room. But that is only part of the work of the apostle. Our mission can never be complete until the word of God is in the hands of people. How many will come to us? Maybe ten percent? And what about the other ninety percent of mankind? We must go to them ."

     This marked the beginning of a wonderful new aspect of the Pauline apostolate - taking the word of God directly to the people.

     "We must have a great mind, a great heart," spoke Mother Thecla to the sisters. "Think of the whole world, of the many souls to be saved, of the many who await the light of the Gospel.

     "Be concerned about the glory of God, about becoming good, about doing good to souls, and all the rest will be given to you by God. We will offer a beautiful homage to God, to the most holy Trinity, who wants to enter into those hearts, into those souls, who wants them saved. Let us be generous. God will not be outdone in generosity: the more we give, the more He will give us. To be an apostle, to care about the souls of men, that is what gives joy and vigor to a religious. For when she is concerned about the eternal welfare of others, her own small aches and pains shrink to their proper size. We want to be apostles," the young Mother General continued, "and what better way than to perform the same mission as the twelve apostles - to go, two by two to every person and bring the good news of salvation?"

     The sisters rejoiced at this new and direct approach. With the few titles available they make packages that were of carrying size, and set out. The torrid heat of summer beat down on their sturdy shoulders and perspiration streaked their faces, as they went foot to the towns assigned them.

     Imagine the reactions - varied and interesting as the good-hearted farm people saw young women crossing their fields with an armful of books. If for no other reason, curiosity alone made people open their doors in a gesture of welcome.

     "Who are you? What do you do? Well, well! I can't believe it. I just can't believe it." Slowly but surely Pauline books, made with struggle and sacrifice, found their way into homes.

     The youthful apostles learned many things in their day-to-day contact with people. They found the hidden joys known only to those who give themselves willingly to the work of the Father, a joy shared with Jesus the Worker. They learned how to pray to Someone much more powerful than themselves, to the only One who can move the minds and hearts of men. They learned how to struggle against momentary obstacles, to make decisions, to plod on and keep up enthusiasm, to strive for constant self-improvement, both personal and apostolic. Those young women attended the school that majored in faith and holiness. Book after book left their hands and stayed with the people they met. Then back home, in the silence of the chapel, the sisters prayed for all those whom their lives had touched that day. It soon became obvious that this form of diffusion was essential to their Pauline apostolate. It was here to stay.

     Father Alberione told the sisters: "Rich in merit and very effective is the personal diffusion of the word of God. It means going through towns and regions, going from house to house, in city and country, in valleys and mountains, without any preferences, without any distinctions: it means to go to souls."

     Sister Cleofe Zanoni, one of the Pioneers of the Philippine Province described their first visit to the barrio of Bulbok: "On October l, 1939, the first Monday of the month, we inaugurated our home to home propaganda by visiting the barrio of Bulbok. We brought several copies of the Gospel, the Catechism, and another pamphlet - all in Tagalog - and we found the people thirsty for religious instruction, for in every home we were able to leave a copy of our books. We also experienced how hospitable and generous-hearted the Filipino people are. We returned home that day very happy in spite of the fact that we had had a hard time trying to make ourselves understood. We are fortunate that although we do not yet know the language, we can already preach through the books we spread. On our way home, a sudden rain overtook us and we got a good bath."

Previous    Next

    Yes is Forever, by the Daughters of St. Paul, Copyright © 1981, Daughters of St. Paul.
Used by permission of Paulines Books & Media, 50 St. Paul's Avenue, Boston, MA 02130. All rights reserved.