Concern for the Good Name
Let no one ever lightly hurt the reputation of others, especially of the superiors, much less criticize a rule, constitution, or a custom existing in the congregation. (OOCC, VIII, p. 327; SD, p. 71)
According to St. Vincent Pallotti, maintaining the good name and reputation of every member of the community is vital for the life of the community. A community is made up of members, and whatever happens to a member does affect the community. Hence, the loss of the good name and reputation of a member leaves a mark on the community and its other members. Therefore, St. Vincent advised his followers to do their best to guard the good name of every member of the community. For him, no member by way of gossiping, bearing tales or maligning should bring ill repute on the name of a member of the community. Every member of the community should take special care to guard the good name of the superior, as he is the representative of God in their midst. Similarly, the members are advised not to be critical of the rules that guide the community, the constitutions of the Society, and the customs and practices prevalent in a community. These are rules, regulations, and practices that have come into the life of the community over a long period of time. Though some of them may require revision, modification and alterations periodically, to deny them as totally meaningless and useless, and be critical of them should not be encouraged. The members should have respect for the tradition and heritage of the community to which they belong. The attitude of a member towards these traditions and rules of the community should be one of creative fidelity, i.e., while remaining faithful to them, make the needed changes by way of consensus within the community. In this manner, St. Vincent was deeply concerned about the good name of the members, the Society and its institutions.
Do I have concern for the good name of the members of the community, the Society, and its institutions? Do I malign the name of others by bearing tales? Am I critical of authority? Do I respect the customs, rules and constitutions of the Society?
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. (Prov. 22: 1)