12.--These are the characteristics to be kept in mind
in this work of evangelization which the Congregation proposes to
carry out:
1 clear and expressed preference for the
apostolate among the poor, since their evangelization is the sign
that the kingdom of God is present on earth (cf. Mt 11:5);
2 attention to the realities of present-day society, especially
to the factors that cause an unequal distribution of the world's goods, so that
we can better carry out our prophetic task of evangelization;
3 some sharing in the condition of the poor, so that not only
will we attend to their evangelization, but that we ourselves may be evangelized
by them;
4 genuine community spirit in all our apostolic works, so that we
may be supported by one another in our common vocation;
5 readiness to go to any part of the world, according to the example
of the first missionaries of the Congregation;
6 striving to live in a state of continuous conversion both on the
part of each individual member and on the part of the whole Congregation, according
to the mind of St. Paul, who counsels us: "Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Rm 12:2).
18.--Following St. Vincent, who, like the Good Samaritan
of the gospel parable (Lk 10:30-37), gave effective help to the abandoned,
provinces and members should earnestly strive to serve those rejected
by society and those who are victims of disasters and injustices
of every kind. We should also assist those who suffer from forms
of moral poverty which are peculiar to our own times.
Working for all of these and with them, members should endeavor to implement
the demands of social justice and evangelical charity.
88.--The formation of our students should not lose
sight of the reality of society, so that their studies will lead
to the acquisition of a vision of the modern world and critical judgment
of it. The students, through a conversion of heart, should begin
to involve themselves in Christian work for the restoration of justice;
more and more they should become conscious of the roots of poverty
in the world and lay bare the obstacles to evangelization. All of
this should be done in the light of the word of God and under the
direction of their moderators.
