PRO EXAMEN

EXAMEN IGNATIANIVM · EXAMEN CONSCIENTIAE

Ignatian Examen - Review of Conscience

The third step reviews the day hour by hour, examining thoughts, words, and deeds. This methodical approach, examining consciousness from waking to present, ensures nothing is overlooked. Special attention is given to the 'vitium praedominans' (predominant fault) - the habitual weakness from which many sins flow.

LATINE
Recenseo diem meum hora per horam.
Primum Punctum: De Cogitationibus
Rationem exigo ab anima mea de cogitationibus—
num malas cogitationes habui? Num eis consensi? Num in eis delectatus sum?
Secundum Punctum: De Verbis
Rationem exigo de verbis—
num quid contra Deum, contra proximum, vel contra meipsum locutus sum?
Num verba otiosa, mendacia, detractiones, vel calumnias protuli?
Tertium Punctum: De Factis
Rationem exigo de factis—quid hac die egi?
Num aliquod officium omisi?
Num aliquod peccatum cogitatione, verbo, opere, vel omissione commisi?
Praecipue considero vitium meum praedominans,
et ubi maxime in caritate erga Deum et proximum defeci.
ENGLISH
I review my day hour by hour.
First Point: Concerning Thoughts
I demand an account of my soul with regard to thoughts—
have I entertained evil thoughts? Have I consented to them? Have I taken pleasure in them?
Second Point: Concerning Words
I demand an account with regard to words—
have I spoken anything against God, against my neighbour, or against myself?
Have I spoken idle words, lies, detraction, or calumny?
Third Point: Concerning Deeds
I demand an account with regard to deeds—what have I done this day?
Have I omitted any duty?
Have I committed any sin by thought, word, deed, or omission?
I consider especially my predominant fault,
and where I have most failed in charity toward God and neighbour.
NOTA
FONS
Exercitia Spiritualia S. Ignatii, Tertius Gradus Examinis
USUS
Daily examen, preparation for confession
CONTEXT
The 'predominant fault' (vitium praedominans) is a key concept in traditional spirituality—the root sin from which many others flow, requiring special attention.