Saint Michael Garicoïts wrote...

Rule 1. Our Society was founded first of all for the salvation and perfection of its members and for the salvation and perfection of our neighbour; let us begin with ourselves so that afterwards we can be of use for the good of others; then apply ourselves to doing good to others while at the same time training ourselves.
I have said: for self first of all. This is why the exercises concerning the common good and the contemplative life have been laid down in Rule 1, so that every day if we take the time necessary for the examen, for contemplation and studying the lives of the Saints we shall purify our souls, cultivate good moral practice, and arm ourselves with courage and passion for action; finally to obtain the lights to measure the depths of the soul and all activities tending towards God, which is our aim.