Gualandi Mission for the Deaf

GOAL AND SPIRIT OF THE MISSION

1. The particular goal of the Mission is the intellectual, moral, religious, and social education of the Deaf. Towards this goal, every member of the Mission has to consecrate all his intelligence, his energy, and his activities, that is, his whole self for the love of God and for the salvation of the souls of the Deaf. This goal expresses the particular spirit of the Mission and every member dedicates himself and to offers fervent prayers everyday to the Lord to achieve and to preserve this goal.

2. The evangelization and the religious education of the Deaf can be achieved through helping them to go to school, teaching them catechism, opening and supporting learning centers, and extending pastoral assistance to the organizations of the Deaf.

3. To be able to live in the spirit of the Mission is absolutely necessary for anyone who desires to become its member and to be of help to it. A person who is full of love for the Deaf can do much for their good even if he does not possess many talents or a high intelligence. On the other hand, a person who is rich in abilities but poor in love towards the Deaf and works only for his own good and not for the Deaf, can neither be of help to the Mission nor be a part of it.

4. The love for the Deaf must be inspired by one’s faith in God and love for Him. The Deaf may evoke interest and compassion because of their disability but the desire to help them must have its own foundation above all in the love for God alone. It is necessary therefore to see in the deaf people, as in the least and suffering among our neighbors, the person of Jesus Christ who teaches that whatever we do to the least of our brothers and sisters, we also do to him. (see Mt. 25:31-45)

5. In healing the Deaf, Jesus Christ in the Gospel is giving us an example of love and compassion towards the Deaf that inspires us in our Mission. We should always offer to Him all our initiatives for the good of the Deaf in order to obtain the grace that makes them bear the best results. (see Mk. 7:31-37)

6. The most important task of the Religious is to work for the spiritual welfare of the Deaf. Their souls are precious, being created by God, redeemed by the Blood of Jesus Christ and destined to receive the reward of eternal joy in heaven.