SIR,-In these modern times when the faithful are being called to Catholic Action, Liturgical Movements and the Lay Apostolate, it is surprising that more people do not turn to the Third Orders to set before them ideals, a rule of life, and direction for their aspirations to a more perfect life.
The basic aim of all the Third Orders is to strive after perfection 2nd to assist the work of the Church, in the spite of and associated with one of the great religious families-Carmetite, Fianciscae, Dominican, etc. It is in the unified membership of a Third Order that Catholics can respond most effectively to the summons of the Popes to Catholic Action. We have examples of this in such leaders of Catholic Action in recent times as Leo XIII, Pius X, Ludovico Neechi and Pier Frassati, to name only as few of many such great souls.
The Little Office of Our Lady, which can be called the "Tertiaries Office," as its recitation forms one of the chief obligations of the Ruleegives a liturgical basis to the life of prayer, and this form of liturgical prayer has had the approval of the Church for centuries; it can be said in Latin or the Vernacular.
Apart from the Chapters of Tertiaries connected with parishes served by the Religious Orders there are hundreds of isolated members scattered over the country. It is these isolated Tertiaries who might become a great force In the Apostolate of the countryside.
I suggest that Tertiaries in country parishes and small towns should form themselves into chapters, and although living in their homes, of course, should meet in church for Mass and to recite the Lillie Office; in this way they would he helping the work of the priests by their prayers, and they should put themselves at the disposal of the clergy to do any work in the parish or district which a layman or laywoman could do, such as instructing children (and adults) in outlying districts, teaching in schools, sick-visiting, and welfare work of vat ious kinds. In this way through the Third Orders the laity who feel drawn toward the spirit. of any of the Religious Orders would stand behind the bishops and clergy in their efforts for the welfare of the Church, the preservation of the social order, and the salvation of souls-this is Catholic Action.
It would he interesting to have the opinion of the readers oft THE Ceti-it-tete HERALD on these suggestions, and perhaps some groups of Tertiaries may be formed on these lines to give glory to God. to honour Our Blessed Lady and to aid Holy Church by prayer and good works.
DONALD M. J. LANGDON, T.O.C.D.
St. Mary's College, Broadhembury, near Honiton, Devon.