27. Behind the Scenes In the previous episode we saw how, in effect, Fr. Colin’s efforts to get the Society approved came to almost nothing. But behind the scenes, as it were, unbeknownst to Fr. Colin, much was happening. We begin with the goings-on in the Curia. Cardinal Castracane made a report to the Congregation for Bishops and Regulars, basically saying that approval of this new religious congregation was not advisable, but that the Marist group, located in two dioceses, be allowed to elect a superior and that indulgences be granted to the priests only. These decisions were to be communicated in letters to the Ordinaries (bishops) of the two dioceses. The letters were never sent. In part this may have been due to the action of Fr. Trinchant, a French priest in Rome, whom Fr. Colin had met there and, taking an interest in the Society of Mary, agreed to handle the Marist cause after Fr. Colin returned to France. He probably realized that the decision recommended by Cardinal Castracane might well jeopardize the whole Marist project, and so withdrew the Marist petition. He then submitted a new petition, this time not even mentioning the Third Order, the part of the project that the Cardinal took most exception to. He simply requested that the priests be allowed to accept postulants, elect a superior, and take vows. This request also got nowhere. Cardinal Castracane maintained that the decision already made should be maintained and carried out by sending the letters to the Ordinaries. Then, almost nothing happened. The letters were never sent. Perhaps Fr. Trinchant again intervened to withdraw the petition because the letters would tell the bishops that Rome was opposed to approval of the Marists as a new supra-diocesan religious congregation. (Once that sort of official action is taken and communicated, it is difficult to get it reversed later on). What did happen was that three briefs for Indulgences were sent. But as a result of an error in communication within the Curia, they were sent, not to the Ordinaries, but directly to Fr. Colin. And the Indulgences were not granted to the priests, but to the Third Order, the very thing that Cardinal Castracane did not want to happen! At that point, it seems, the Marist cause was forgotten about in the Curia. Now we cannot know for sure, but is it possible that these mistakes and delays were the result, not only of the wise interventions of Fr. Trinchant, or of the bumbling missteps of Curial officials, but also the work of Providence? The reason I suggest this is that events were taking place in Rome and on the other side of the world that would help resurrect the Marist cause and bring it to fruition. Fr. Colin was always convinced that the Marist project was not a human work but a work of God and that therefore it would succeed. Fr. Colin’s initiatives had thus far come to nothing. But we shall see that Fr. Colin’s judicious cooperation with events that were taking shape without his initiative would ultimately win the day. To be continued... Rome at the time of Fr. Colin’s visits. Prayer for Vocations to the Society of Mary (Marists) Lord Jesus You gave the Church St Peter Chanel as an example to Marists and the people of Oceania of gentleness, compassion and love in action. Welcome many young men and women into the Marist Family, to work as Priests, Brothers and Sisters. Help us too, to share our charism with lay people throughout the world and to work in partnership with them in Mission for the good of your Church and our world. This prayer we make to the Father in your name and through the Holy Spirit. Amen Mary Mother of the Church and our mother, choose more young people to follow Jesus your Son in religious life and priesthood and to bear your name as members of your Society. (Please pray this prayer often.) .