Canadian edition, 1954, By Fathers A. Poulin, s.j. &  Jean Laramée, s.j.

(continued)

 

Games-Keeping Company

Crusaders should strive to be apostles of joy and good humour. Companionship between boys and girls, always dangerous, should be avoided, as well as premature courtship which will only make one a laughing-stock.

We ought to know that play has an importance of its own, just like study and prayer. More often in play than elsewhere, character manifests itself by egoistical reactions or by a spontaneous generosity.

Let the Crusader eagerly organize whatever game will please the greater number, and let I him not hesitate to offer himself for the roles that call for sacrifice. Motto: “First to play! Last to argue!”

In games, boys play together and girls together. They respect each other in words and actions, and know how to make themselves respected. This general rule holds well during vacation time even more than during the year; at home or in the street, even more than at school.

The conduct of older boys and girls does not authorize Crusaders to hang around on street corners, or to organize mixed picnics or excursions or to follow the clearly blameworthy practice of mixed bathing parties.

We should be careful not to see sin where there is none (there is enough as it is), but we should be prudent to recognize danger where it exists. It does exist in mixed games, in mixed companionship, familiarities and in premature courtships, which are as foolish as they are dangerous.