Trad Cath General: Spirituality Edition. The two main spiritual practises of the Catholic church are the particular examen and mental prayer. They are the pillars of the Church for cultivating virtue, overcoming sin, and deepening our union with God.This thread is for discussing their purpose, how to practice them, and sharing sources for further reading. But other topics can be discussed and any questions about the Catholic faith you may have can be discussed.>What is the Particular Examen?The particular examen (or examination of conscience) is a focused, daily practice to root out specific vices and cultivate virtues. Unlike the general examen, which reviews your day as a whole, this zeroes in on a single fault or weakness.>How to Practice It:Morning Resolution: Pick one fault you want to address (e.g., impatience). Resolve to be vigilant in avoiding it and cultivating the opposite virtue.Midday Review: Reflect briefly on your morning. Did you fall? How often? Renew your resolution.Evening Reflection: Look back over your entire day. Record successes and failures. Renew your commitment for tomorrow.Tips: Start with one specific, tangible fault. Keep it realistic and attainable. Use a notebook to track progress—it helps you stay accountable.>What is Mental Prayer?Mental prayer is a form of interior conversation with God. It’s not about reciting set prayers but engaging in personal dialogue, meditation, and contemplation. St. Teresa of Ávila calls it “a friendly conversation with Him Who we know loves us.”>How to Practice It:Preparation: Find a quiet space. Begin with an act of presence of God (e.g., “God is here”).Meditation: Reflect on Scripture, a spiritual book, or a scene from Christ’s life. Use your imagination to place yourself there.Dialogue: Speak to God about what comes to your mind and heart. Listen for His response in silence.Resolution: End by making a concrete resolution inspired by your meditation.Tips: Start small—10 to 15 minutes a day is enough for beginners. Consistency matters more than duration.Sources to read further about Particular examen and Mental prayerIntroduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de SalesThe Spiritual Exercises by St. Ignatius of LoyolaConversation with Christ by Peter T. RohrbachThe Way of Mental Prayer by Dom Vitalis LehodeyFr. Chad Ripperger’s talks on spiritual practices (YouTube)Ave Maria
>And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
>>24118697true
>>24118647>The two main spiritual practises of the Catholic church are the particular examen and mental prayerThey're not, but it's nice you're doing something to potentially better yourself. JS are never trad btw
>>24118890They are. You're probably thinking the rosary and divine office or some other prayers are the main spiritual practise but those rituals are only effective when done alongside mental prayer and the particular examen. See the Rosary and Divine Office as the fruits of the spritual life but the paritcular examen and mental prayer as the table that upholds and presents these spiritual gifts to us and brings it to their fullest expression. They are the two key spiritual methods of the Catholic church since they underpin our entire spiritual tradition.>JS are never trad btwCringe, St Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual exercises has been endorsed by Popes and saints for centuries and has precedence in the patristic era. Jesuits can be trad although as of late they've kinda become cringe.
>>24118647You should look for Arintero and Garrigou Lagrange.That said, I don't follow Jesuit spirituality (I like the Dominicans) but doesn't Ignatian Spirituality depends on having a very good spiritual director and is not something you should do by yourself?
>>24118916Yeah, garigou is great but wasn't sure his work would be good for beginners. His 3 volume work The Three Ages of the Interior Life isn't really fit for beginners.>I don't follow Jesuit spiritualityThe Particular examen and mental prayer have precedent in the patristic era and was always practised before becoming more developed and refined by St Ignatius of Loyola which, as I mentioned before, has be given approval by numerous popes and saints. it is a universal practise of the church and not merely a jesuit or domincian thing, although I myself do prefer a dominican spiritualty. Give credit where credit's due. >doesn't Ignatian Spirituality depends on having a very good spiritual director and is not something you should do by yourself?There are levels to it. The simpler forms of it can be practised by anyone and are quite east to implement
Can a Christian please help me understand this? Jesus says that we will be happy and content in heaven. But if our family members and loved ones who did not accept Jesus as the savior are condemned to hell, won't we feel sad and miserable knowing they are in agony? We will have to spend eternity knowing this. Even if everything else is perfectly good, unless this knowledge is wiped from our memories, wouldn't It torture us even in heaven? Sorry for going off-topic, but this is the only Christian thread. Ty
