XI. Monthly Retreat.
"I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably to her." Hos. ii. 14.
The object of the monthly retreat is: 1. More deeply to examine the conscience; 2. To make firmer resolutions for the correction of faults; 3. To choose the most effective means to advance in virtues, and specially to be confirmed in the life of faith, and in contempt of the world, by a serious preparation for death.
In order to profit by this exercise, the seminarist sets before him the following considerations:
1. To learn his ruling and oftenest recurring fault; for instance, love of the world and its pleasures; sloth and want of application to his duties; fear of humiliations; inclination to slander and unfavourable judgment of his neighbour; liking for his own will and opposition to obedience.
2. To search into the causes of lukewarmness and slackness; habitual heedlessness; little preparation for prayer and attendance on Sacraments; frivolous reading and conversation; indisposition for and want of openness in direction; irresolution in complete surrender to God, in avoiding slight faults, and in seeking the society of the most earnest.
3. To examine the most necessary virtue, and pursue the practices fitted to acquire it; to meditate seriously on the necessity of obedience, humility, self-denial, charity, good example, in the holy ministry.
4. To write down his feelings and resolutions, communicate them to his director, and read them over frequently.