about seven o'clock in the morning
That evening after supper the Retreat began . The conduct of the Spiritual Exercises had not reached the elaboration to which they have been perfected since ; nor , in Anthony 's case , a layman and a young man , did Father Robert think fit to apply it even in all the details in which it would be used for a priest or for one far advanced in the spiritual life ; but it was severe enough . Every evening Father Robert indicated the subject of the following day 's meditation ; and then after private prayer Anthony retired to his room . He rose about seven o'clock in the morning , and took a little food at eight ; then shortly before nine the first meditation was given elaborately . The first examination of conscience was made at eleven ; followed by dinner at half-past . From half-past twelve to half-past one Anthony rested in his room ; then until three he was encouraged to walk in the garden ; at three the meditation was to be recalled point by point in the chapel , followed by spiritual reading ; at five o'clock supper was served ; and at half-past six the meditation was repeated with tremendous emphasis and fervent acts of devotion ; at half-past eight a slight collation was laid in his room ; and at half-past nine the meditation for the following day was given . Father Robert in his previous talks with Anthony had given him instructions as to how to occupy his own time , to keep his thoughts fixed and so forth .