The Statuts were 82 pages long and were a very detailed guide to practically every aspect of the young man’s life. As demanding as they were, no one was obliged to remain a member of the Youth Congregation. The fact that there were nearly 300 members who freely chose to commit themselves to living them proves that they found these rules a useful compelling force in their lives.
Art. 28. The Congregation has provided for the needs of its members by a special regulation that they are required to observe.
Art. 29. This regulation covers all of their duties; It embraces all the activities of their day and of their lives. If they are loyal to it, they can regard their salvation as certain.
Art. 30. It not only establishes religious exercises and the duties of devotion that they must fulfill, but it also includes everything connected with their study or their work.
“Statuts de la Congrégation”, Missions 145 (1899), p. 25-107-
Eugene was training these young men to become good disciples of Jesus and, once they were transformed as persons and as Christians, to become a corps of apostles to others, a leaven in the world.
The length, organization and details of these Regulations show that Eugene had a capability for organizing people, and this experience of directing the youth was to be beneficial when it came to composing the Rule for his Missionaries.
“A law is something which must have a moral basis, so that there is an inner compelling force for every citizen to obey.” Chaim Weizmann, Zionist leader (1874 – 1952)
These reflection of the Youth Society are a reflection of what was to come.
I think each of us can look back at moments like this and see how they became the foundation of what was to come. For me it was living/working with persons living with HIV/AIDS. At time church was a dirty hallway outside a room where someone overdoes lighting candles or hospital ward where so many lived in fear. Those days showed me that church is bigger than institution and that all are welcome.
It is easy now days and if you are in the second half of life to see these rules as binding and limiting. Yet what I see is that are the container for what is to come. As we look at youth today, they are seeking clarity and belonging. First half of life work. But as we grow, we move beyond the definitions and rules to the free movement of the Spirit which is not limited to a certain place or mountain top or set of shoulds.
Each half of life needs to be respected and celebrated. Both are good.