Hanging on to Easter

Dear Newman Community, 

As you read this, Sal and I are with over 70 students on Aggie Awakening VIII! The retreat is put on by students for students- 40 students who have ‘lived’ Awakening previously have put in countless hours over the last several weeks culminating in the actual retreat this weekend. Our hope is that students have a rich, personal experience of God through Mass, Confession, prayer, and community, an experience that doesn’t end after the retreat but is the beginning of something new as their faith is (re)awakened. 

But how does one hang onto such a mountain top experience after 
it is over? Whether it is a retreat, a service trip, or holy days like the Triduum- how do we remember and continue to live these high 
points of our faith experience? 

One way we offer to students is through daily reflection in the form 
of an Ignatian Examen. A prayer practice developed by St. Ignatius 
of Loyola, the examen helps us reflect on the events of the day to 
discern God’s presence and direction. Key to the prayer technique 
is a disposition of gratitude and growth that calls us to remember 
and live out Gospel values in our daily life. If this sounds like 
something you might like to try, see the box at right for a guide to 
the Examen.

Please pray for all the staff and retreatants on Aggie Awakening 
VIII!

Mona

Daily Examen
1. Become aware of God’s presence God, I believe that at this moment I am in your presence and you are loving me.
2. Review the day with gratitude God, you know my needs better than I know them. Give me your light and your help to see how you have been with me, both yesterday and today.
3. Pay attention to your emotions God, help me to be grateful for the moments when people have affirmed me and challenged me. Help me to see how I have responded, and whether I have been kind to others and open to growth.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it God, forgive me for when I have not done my best or have failed to treat others well. Encourage me, guide me, and continue to bless me.
5. Look toward tomorrow As I look to the remainder of this day, make me aware that you are with me. Show me how to be the person you want me to be.
​-From the Jesuit Prayer App, developed by the Midwest Jesuits in collaboration with Loyola Press.