Catholic Reflections

Examen with Mary and the Holy Angels

5 Steps of the Exercise

Blessed Mother, I come into your presence and pray that you help me complete this examen fruitfully with the assistance of the Holy Angels, especially my guardian angel.

Step 1.          Act of Gratitude

Help me to be grateful for today’s moments, big or small: like a hug, reading, writing, Holy Communion, Adoration, Confession, completing a Rosary, surviving an enemy attack, having a place to live, and thinking of and talking with you, living with the Holy Angels, especially my guardian angel, among others…

Step 2.          Review

O Mother, help me recall anything special I may have done today.

Did I perform a kind act, smile politely at someone, make a sacrifice, say an extra Hail Mary, intercede in any way, or practice silence enough?

Or may I have sinned today?

Was I judgmental, unkind, impolite, etc.? Where could I have been more considerate? Did I sin in my thoughts? Did I “fail to bother” about something? Commit a sin of omission? Do I need to go to Confession? If necessary, pray humbly to the Trinity for forgiveness?

Step 3.          Make an Act of Humility

I am Thine and all that I have, O most loving Jesus, through Mary, thy most holy Mother! From all that displeases you, deliver me, O Jesus!

Step 4.          Request for Grace

O Mary, help me to have a true and extraordinary devotion to you and to the Holy Angels, especially my guardian angel, and practice a genuine Marian and Angelic spirituality.

Step 5.          Pray the “Hail Mary” and the “Sanctus” for these graces

Results of the Examen exercise: May I become more aware, with all discernment, of Divine Providence acting in my life. With the assistance of the Holy Angels, especially my guardian angel, may I learn to depend entirely on you, Dear Mother, for everything!