Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Tag: examination of conscience

A simple daily reflection to put the brakes on our rush-hour lives

Fr. Albert Haase offers a 5-step Examen that anyone can do. Aleteia (March 22, 2017): Over a decade ago, Fr. Albert Haase, OM, a spiritual director, author of nine books on spiritual formation (Franciscan Media, InterVarsity Press, Paraclete Press) and the presenter on four bestselling DVDs (Paraclete Press), began practicing St. Ignatius of Loyola’s daily Examen,… Read More ›

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Psalm 141(140): “Prayer in danger”

1. In previous catecheses, we gave an overall look at the structure and value of the Liturgy of Vespers, the great ecclesiastical prayer of the evening. We now journey into its interior. It will be like making a pilgrimage to that “holy land” made up of the Psalms and Canticles. One by one we will reflect on each… Read More ›

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How to Discern: a Guide by St. Alphonsus de Liguori

If we are truly going to discern by focusing on the Lord, whether it be what our vocation is in life or whether or not we should go on that weekend trip, there are some practical measures we can take so that His will in our lives remains clear. Our friend the great Italian 18th… Read More ›

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Psalm 150: Music, hymnody should be worthy of the greatness of the Liturgy

1. Psalm 150, which we have just proclaimed, rings out for the second time in the Liturgy of Lauds: a festive hymn, an “alleluia” to the rhythm of music. It sets a spiritual seal on the whole Psalter, the book of praise, of song, of the liturgy of Israel. The text is marvelously simple and… Read More ›

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Psalm 24(23): The Lord enters his temple!

1. The ancient chant of the People of God that we just heard, resounded in the temple of Jerusalem. To be able to grasp the main thrust of the prayer, we have to keep in mind three basic affirmations. The first is the truth of creation:  God has created the world and is its Lord…. Read More ›

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Devotion to the Poor Souls

… Over the centuries the month of November has been dedicated to the Poor Souls. No doubt the reason is because November is the last month of the liturgical year, even as purgatory is the last stage of human existence before a soul reaches heaven. During this homily, I would like to ask three questions… Read More ›

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Conversion

Each Oblates makes a promise to a life of continual conversion.  The following is a brief examination of conscience that could be followed each evening before bed. “Concretely, my examen might include the following steps: —    I begin with a moment of grateful remembrance of God’s gifts to me this day and ask for divine… Read More ›

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