Sacrament of Penance

Prayer before Self-Examination

¶ Holy Spirit, Source of all light, Spirit of wisdom, of understanding and of knowledge, come to my assistance and enable me to make a good confession. Enlighten me, and help me now to know my sins as one day I shall be forced to recognize them before thy judgement seat. Bring to mind the evil which I have done and the good which I have neglected. Permit me not to be blinded by self-love. Grant me, moreover, heartfelt sorrow for my transgressions, knowing how deeply they have wounded the loving heart of my Heavenly Father; and help me to make a good confession that all stain of guilt may be washed away in the Precious Blood of my Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Review & Act of Contrition

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sins marked for confession

Choose an Act of Contrition

i.

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against thee whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with thy help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.

ii.

Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

iii.

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins, because of thy just punishments; but most of all because they offend thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of thy grace, to amend my life, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.

iv.

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven, and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of thy grace, to amend my life, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.

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