ORDINARIVM

ACTVS CONTRITIONIS

Act of Contrition

The Act of Contrition expresses sorrow for sin arising from love of God (perfect contrition) rather than merely fear of punishment (attrition). Per the Council of Trent, perfect contrition forgives even mortal sin when joined to the desire for sacramental Confession. Source: Catechismus Romanus.

LATINE
Deus meus, ex toto corde poenitet me omnium meorum peccatorum,
eaque detestor, quia peccando,
non solum poenas a te iuste statutas promeritus sum,
sed praesertim quia offendi te, summum bonum,
ac dignum qui super omnia diligaris.
Ideo firmiter propono, adiuvante gratia tua,
de cetero me non peccaturum
peccandique occasiones proximas fugiturum.
Amen.
ENGLISH
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee.
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 sin no more
and to avoid the near occasions of sin.
Amen.
NOTA
FONS
Catechismus Romanus
INDULGENTIA
Partial indulgence
USUS
Before and after Confession, night prayers
CONTEXT
The prayer distinguishes imperfect contrition (attrition, motivated by fear) from perfect contrition (motivated by love). Both suffice for the sacrament, but perfect contrition can remit sin even before confession if one intends to confess.