We begin with the sign of the cross, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Examine your conscience and feel sorry for your sins. (Take a few minutes. In silence, remember and feel sorry for your sins, and think of ways you will amend your life.)

Pray the Act of Contrition.

During Lent, the church focuses on repentance of sins and reconciling with God. The word repentance is derived from the Greek word ‘metanoia’, which means a change of mind and heart. It means conversion, changing from one form to another. When we sin, especially mortal sin, we are separated from God and are spiritually dead. Repentance not only helps us change our mind and heart, but it changes us from being spiritually dead to being spiritually alive. The moment we repent, we are in a state of grace and destined for eternal life. When we die in a state of grace, we have everlasting life. However, if we die in unconfessed mortal sin, we are eternally dead, which means, we suffer for eternity in hell, separated from God forever. Therefore, God in His infinite mercy, calls us for repentance. Without repentance, we cannot be saved. Those who live sinful lives are disobeying God. Sin is disobedience (1 John 3:4).

This retreat focuses on turning away from sin. Therefore, at the start of each day, we examine our conscience, feel sorry for our sins, and amend our ways. Today, pray and ask Jesus to help you examine your entire life, from the age of reasoning to this present day. Ask Jesus to show you all the ways that you have offended God. Especially, ask Him to show you all the sins you have concealed. Pray for the grace to have the courage to confess your sins. After thoroughly examining your sins, partake in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, you will receive absolution for your sins, and the grace not to sin again.

It takes great humility to confess our sins. If you are struggling, pray the Litany of Humility. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-9). Humility makes all things easy. When we think highly of ourselves, it is difficult to confess our sins, but if we consider ourselves wretched, despicable, worthless, nobody and nothing, it becomes easier to confess our sins. Blessed Fulton Sheen said that sin is not the worst thing in the world, the worst thing is denial of sin. Therefore, be brave because you are not the only sinner, nor are you the worst sinner. Remember all saints were once sinners. If you want to be a saint, take the courage to repent and confess your sins.

Come now, let us argue it out,

says the Lord:

though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be like snow;

though they are red like crimson,

they shall become like wool.

 If you are willing and obedient,

you shall eat the good of the land

Isaiah 1:18-19

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.

To receive abundance of graces during this retreat, you can choose to do any of the following daily:

Attend the Holy Mass daily.

Pray the Rosary.

Pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.

Pray and meditate on the Way of the Cross.

Pray at least 15 minutes in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

Read the bible and mediate on scripture for at least 15 minutes.

Pray the Litany of Humility. Invite others to join this retreat, as a family or as a group.

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