A comprehensive examination of conscience based on twelve virtues by Rev. Donald F. Miller, C.S.S.R. Imprimatur: Joseph E. Ritter St. Louis, April 7, 1959: Introduction.
A comprehensive examination of conscience based on twelve virtues by Rev. Donald F. Miller, C.S.S.R. Imprimatur: Joseph E. Ritter St. Louis, April 7, 1959: Introduction.
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Self-examination has always been conÂsidered a necessary means of progress in virÂtue. All Religious Orders and congregations have provision in their rules for at least one daily examination of conscience. While the practice is also necessary for lay people, there have been few booklets offered to them whereby a systematic examination of conÂscience might be made at definite times. Lists of sins may be found in prayer books and pamphlets, but frequently they lack comÂpleteness, or they make no clear-cut distincÂtions between mortal and venial sin, or they make no reference to the helps and counsels that might build up virtue and prevent sin.
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The object of this booklet is to initiate lay people into the practice of concentrating their efforts at self-perfection on one virtue a month. It provides a fairly complete list of mortal sins to be avoided, of venial sins to be corrected, and of helps and counsels that may be practiced. For each month a short explanaÂtion of the virtue to be practiced is given, an aspiration is suggested for frequent use, and a prayer is added containing sorrow for the past and resolve for the future.
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The division of the obligations of the ChrisÂtian life into twelve virtues is not one that can be made without some degree of arbitrary arÂrangement of material. There will be overlapÂping, some repetition, and not always a strictly logical inclusion of questions under a given head. The practical purpose has been kept in mind, rather than the theoretical; an effort has been made to bring into each month reminders of some of the fundamental obligaÂtions every Christian has, as these can be related to given virtues.
A warning should be given to souls who are inclined to scrupulosity. Such souls are freÂquently disturbed by reading lists of sins, because they erroneously think themselves guilty where they are not guilty at all. They should have permission of their confessor before they undertake to make a minute exÂamination of conscience, and in every doubt must obey their confessor blindly. Aside from the scrupulous, some persons may find doubts arising from certain questions because circumstances not mentioned may confuse particular issues. It is to be remembered at all times that a mortal sin is not committed unless three conditions are preÂsent, viz:
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1) sufficient reflection,
2) full consent of the will, and
3) a violation of God’s law in a serious matter.
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The mortal sins listed repreÂsent only objectively serious matter; if one or both of the other conditions necessary for the commission of a mortal sin be lacking in a particular case, the guilt would not be incurÂred. In prudent doubt, a confessor should be asked for a solution.
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It is recommended that once a week during each month, the examen for that month be read carefully and thoughtfully. On some ocÂcasions this would be best done before confesÂsion. The ejaculatory prayer of the month should be said frequently every day.
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Bracketed numbers [] following prayers inÂdicate the number of the indulgence accordÂing to the New Official List of Indulgences Preces et Pia Opera, dated December31, 1937, by The Sacred Penitentiary Apostolic in Rome.