An Examen for Transition from the Pandemic Year

Holy Trinity Catholic Church, a Jesuit parish in Washington, DC, has written an “Examen for Transition from the Pandemic Year.” It is an excellent prayer resource to help you reflect on the difficulties and graces of this unique time in our lives, and notice the moments where God felt near to you.

This Examen is available both as written text and as a guided audio prayer on Holy Trinity’s website.

About this Examen

“Along with the entire globe, members of our parish and larger community have struggled to cope and find meaning in a year of isolation and grief. However, if we are given the time and space to reflect, we may find surprising moments of consolation interspersed with the hardships. Like St. Ignatius, who was hit by a cannonball at the battle of Pamplona 500 years ago, we might find ourselves limping a bit during this time of transition. As we slowly emerge from the worst of the pandemic, you are invited to prayerfully reflect, using an adapted version of St. Ignatius’ Examen, on the graces of the past year and God’s invitations going forward.

In this Examen, you are invited to let God guide you. In doing this, regardless of the language used here, feel free to pray with God as Trinity or with any of the persons of the Trinity — God the Father/Mother, the person of Jesus, or the Holy Spirit — whatever is most natural for you.