Chapter XII
How to Make Our Monthly Recollection, Together with the Preparation for Death
The object of this pious exercise, which is usually made on the first or the last Sunday of every month, is, first, to discover not only our faults but their roots and sources also, and to examine whether we have made any progress in virtue; secondly, to seek the necessary means of amendment and progress; and thirdly, to dispose our will to practise conscientiously our good resolutions.
When thou art at leisure, go in presence of the Blessed Sacrament, or else retire to thy room, kneel and, according to the directions given in the preceding chapter, try to find out the state of thy soul, asking thyself and sincerely answering the following questions:—
1. To what faults and sins am I mostly subject?
2. How have I kept and executed my good resolutions? What is the occasion or source of my want of fidelity?
3. Have I a good intention in all my actions? Am I not led by human respect? Have I a particular affection or friendship for some one?
4. Do I punctually, conscientiously and fervently discharge the duties of my office?
Keep a correct account of the faults thou now discoverest and compare it with that of the previous month. Excite a hearty sorrow for these faults, and, at the next occasion, confess the most important ones and consult thy confessor concerning them. At a visit to the Blessed Sacrament and at thy next holy Communion offer thy resolutions to our Lord, beg for grace to put them into practice, and recommend thyself to the Blessed Virgin and to the saints of thy Order.
