PRO EXAMEN

EXAMEN IGNATIANIVM · CONTRITIO

Ignatian Examen - Contrition

The fourth step asks pardon of God for sins discovered. True contrition (contritio) arises from love of God offended, not merely fear of punishment (attritio). Per the Council of Trent, perfect contrition forgives even mortal sin when joined to the desire for sacramental Confession.

LATINE
Veniam peto a Deo Domino nostro pro culpis meis.
Deus meus, ex toto corde me poenitet Te offendisse,
et detestor omnia peccata mea,
quia metuo amissionem caeli et poenas inferni,
sed maxime quia Te offendunt, Deus meus,
qui es summe bonus et omni amore meo dignus.
Firmiter propono, adiuvante gratia tua,
confiteri peccata mea, poenitentiam agere,
et vitam meam emendare. Amen.
Deus meus, Deus meus, doleo, vere doleo quod contra Te peccavi.
Non tantum propter poenas tuas,
sed quia peccatum odiosum est tibi et quia Tu es infinite bonus.
Miserere mei secundum magnam misericordiam tuam.
ENGLISH
I ask pardon of God our Lord for my faults.
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 confess my sins, to do penance,
and to amend my life. Amen.
My God, my God, I am sorry, truly sorry, that I have sinned against Thee.
Not so much because of Thy punishments,
but because sin is hateful to Thee and because Thou art infinitely good.
Have mercy on me according to Thy great mercy.
NOTA
FONS
Exercitia Spiritualia S. Ignatii, Quartus Gradus; Actus Contritionis ex Raccolta
USUS
Daily examen, preparation for confession
CONTEXT
Perfect contrition, arising from love of God, forgives even mortal sins outside confession (though confession remains obligatory). Attrition (imperfect contrition) suffices within the sacrament.