Page 72 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

O. R. VASSALL-PHILLIPS

III. My Jesus, through love of Thee I will obey my Superiors as
Thy Divine Person made visible to my sight. I will live as though I
were no longer myself, striving to conform myself to the judgment
and will of those who command me, always certain of finding Thee
in them.
IV. Amongst all the virtues which are dear to Thee, O my God,
that which I love with a love of predilection is holy Purity. My trust is
in Thee, O Infinite Holiness, to preserve me from any thought which
might sully the brightness of my soul.
V. I will only speak in three cases: when the glory of God is at
stake; when the interests of my neighbour may demand it; or when it
is necessary for some personal reason.
VI. At recreation I will speak only when I am spoken to, except in
one of the three cases mentioned above.
VII. Instead of any words that I might be tempted to speak to the
displeasure of God, I will say: “My Jesus, I love Thee with my whole
heart.”
VIII. I will say nothing either good or bad about myself. I will act
as if there were no such person as I in existence.
IX. I will never excuse myself whatever reason I may have for
doing so, unless any sin against God would result from my silence, or
any harm to my fellowman.
X. I will oppose all that which opposes Regular Observance in the
Community.
XI. I will never answer when I am blamed, unless I am told to do
so.
XII. I will attack no one in conversation, nor will I make any
reference to the faults of my neighbours, even by way of a joke.
XIII. I will be careful to excuse everyone, considering in my
neighbour the Person of Jesus Christ Himself, Whom the Jews
accused, notwithstanding His innocence. I will defend others,
especially in their absence. XIV. If anyone should speak ill of
another, I will warn him of his fault, even though he be the Father
16
General.

16 As the Father General at this time was St. Alphonsus himself, it is hardly likely
that Saint Gerard was ever called upon to put the last part of this resolution
into practice.

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