Examen Conscientiae in advance of 2026 Lenten Session

Lent is viewed as a personal journey with God, but the 2026 Pastoral Letter emphasizes that true repentance extends beyond personal piety. It encourages breaking down barriers and promoting fraternity. At Kanisius Junior High School, Kalasan, Yogyakarta, preparations for Lent begin with introspection, guided by the Examen Conscientiae.

The school has a structured spiritual routine. From Monday to Wednesday, students engage in quiet reflection at the end of the school day, setting aside their daily business. Under their teachers’ guidance, they are encouraged to reflect on God’s presence in their experiences, including challenges and everyday moments. This routine culminates on Thursdays.

On Thursdays, students walk together to the church near the school to practice the Examen, with teachers taking turns guiding them. The shared silence in church fosters a sense of community, teaching students that while they each face different struggles, they are united in their journey towards God. This silence allows space for God’s voice to reach each individual.

On Fridays, the school community gathers for morning devotions broadcast from the Administration Office. These sessions include Scripture readings and collective prayers. While Thursday’s Examen encourages self-reflection, Friday’s Reflection focuses on listening to God’s message.

The goal of these practices is to help students become more attuned to God’s voice and develop self-control, which is vital for maintaining fraternity. A well-rounded student will communicate wisely, show patience, and be humble. This exemplifies the idea that “Great Character, Great Achievements” represents not just personal integrity but also the ability to cooperate. In response to the 2026 Pastoral Letter, students are encouraged to change their focus from “me” to “us. The Lent of 2026 is a momentum to turn the results of reflection and morning meditation into real action. If, in the process of inner reflection, a student realizes that he has hurt his friend’s feelings, then Lent is the time for reconciliation. The talents discovered through inner silence will be a blessing for brotherhood in the school and community.

Through the practice of Examen Conscientiae and morning reflections, Kanisius Junior High School of Kalasan is preparing a generation that is not only intellectually intelligent but also spiritually and socially sensitive. The great character we dream of is one who can embrace others as brothers and sisters.

Let us enter the Lent of 2026 with a new determination that every prayer and moment of silence we offer will bear fruit in tangible love. Because ultimately, the highest achievement of a human being is to be a blessing to others.

Contributor: Heffi Widyaningrum, S.Pd.Si – Teacher at Kanisius Junior High School of Kalasan