HIS-Press-Service, 1982 (7. évfolyam, 22-24. szám)
1982-01-01 / 22. szám
HIS Press Service No. 22, January 1980 Page 5 who felt a deep-seated need for an intensive faith life within a group framework were forced to turn to small groups, i.e., to groups comprised of mutual friends. In place of the much discredited "Catholicism of the public life," some of these persons who sought a new Church form which took into account the existing situation and also provided an authentic faith life, founded "family churches." Others made private attempts to acquire the religious knowledge which they were lacking in order to eradicate their deficiency in the area of evangelization. These persons, one might say, were involved in religioncourses on an individual basis. There were also others who simply sought a chance to pray and meditate as part of a group. Of all the various types of such groups, two main types became especially wellknown. One of these was comprised of the so-called "Regnumists," who joined ranks with former members of the "Regnum Marianum," a society for priests which had been closely involved with the religious education of the youth. The groups of this type see continued religious education as their primary goal. They also find it easier to integrate themselves within the framework set down by the Church. The followers of the other main type of group are primarily concerned with the most exact possible adherence to the Gospel. Their goal is to follow Christ in a way which calls for renouncing worldly goods and having few needs, as well as rejecting power and violence. They are referred to as "Bulanyists" after one of their most important spiritual leaders, Father George Bulányi S.P. These groups, which are comprised mainly of young adults, are more strongly integrated with one another than the first type mentioned. The most recent conflict centered around the spiritual leader of these latter groups and his approach toward pastoral care. We would like to quote from a letter sent by him to his ecclesiastical superiors in the hope that these quotations will illustrate the approach taken by these groups in regard to their task in life, as well as their views concerning gospel-based pastoral involvement. "When Jesus of Nazareth became man, he began to preach the Kingdom of God on earth. He filled the hearts of his disciples with the hope that the Kingdom of God was near, i.e., that with God's help the disciples could already bring about on earth - within the framework of the Church - an earthly likeness of the eternal Kingdom. His disciples too must therefore resist the temptations of Satan just as did their Lord and Master in the desert. This means they must not assume any positions of power during their earthly existence. They are to be as children. They should endeavor to be the last, to remain in the background. They are not to possess material riches, but should instead strive to be poor. Under no conditions are they allowed to kill their fel low men, who were created by God according to his own
