Such contrition remits venial sins it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible. When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Contrition is “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again”. Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place. Numbers 14 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church Contritionġ451. It belongs to the Church’s tradition and can be useful to everyone, especially at this time to those who are near the sick in their homes and hospitals. This is a way to approach God’s mercy, and is open to all. This too was already affirmed by the Council of Trent, in chapter 4 of the Doctrina de sacramento Paenitentiae, where it is stated that contrition accompanied by the intention of confession is able to “reconcile man with God, even before this sacrament is truly received”. Therefore, while waiting to receive absolution from a priest as soon as circumstances permit, it is possible with this act to be immediately forgiven. “Such contrition remits venial sins it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible”. “When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called ‘perfect’ (contrition of charity)”, continues the Catechism. Contrition is sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again”. Pope Francis refers to numbers 14 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, promulgated by Saint John Paul II and drafted under the guidance of the then-Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Joseph Ratzinger.Īs far as “contrition” is concerned, the Catechism, citing the Council of Trent, teaches that among the acts of the penitent it “occupies first place. In this way our souls will become as white as snow”. Think about it: this is the moment! And this is the right moment, the appropriate moment. You yourself can approach God’s forgiveness as the Catechism teaches us, without having a priest at hand. You will return immediately to God’s grace. I am sorry”, and ask Him for forgiveness with all your heart, with the Act of Contrition, and promise Him: ‘Later I will go to confession, but forgive me now”. “It is very clear: if you cannot find a priest to whom you can confess,” explained the Pontiff, “speak with God, He is your Father, and tell Him the truth: ‘Lord, I have done this, this and this…. What can I do if I can’t find a priest?’ You do what the Catechism says”. “But, many will say to me today: ‘But, Father, where can I find a priest, a confessor, when I can’t leave my house? And I want to make peace with the Lord, I want Him to embrace me, I want my Daddy to embrace me. “I know that many of you, for Easter, go to confession so you can be right with God again”, said the Pope. Pope Francis did this in his homily during Mass in Santa Marta on Friday, 20 March. ![]() In these times of emergency due to the pandemic, with people seriously ill and isolated in intensive care wards, and families who are asked to stay at home to avoid the spread of the virus, it is useful to remind everyone of the richness of the Church’s tradition. This is why the Church always seeks, in every way, to offer the possibility of reconciliation with God to all those who desire it, who seek it, who await it or who, in any case, become aware of their condition and feel the need to be welcomed, loved and forgiven. This is the fundamental interpretative criterion for determining what is right. The salus animarum, the salvation of souls, is the supreme law of the Church. ![]() People dying without chaplains, families confined to their homes and unable to reach a priest because of the Covid-19 emergency - in his homily at Santa Marta, Pope Francis mentions the Catechism and the “contrition” that obtains forgiveness from sins while one waits to go to confession. Forgiveness without a priest? The Pope reminds us how we receive it
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