The Confession of Sins: The Penitent Accuses Himself Before God

This confession of sins was instituted by Jesus Christ. The rite helps the sinner to humble himself and reveal his ill-doings to the priest as to a merciful judge and a good and patient doctor. He receives from him the satisfaction required by justice and the appropriate remedy for his condition.

For a confession to be valid, it has to be complete, and no grave or mortal sins the sinner has on the sinner’s conscience can be hidden. He must loyally accuse himself before God’s representative of all the offenses and wrongs he has committed against God, his neighbor or himself. Willfully hiding a single mortal sin would make him guilty of a grave sin of sacrilege. 

The penitent reaps the greatest fruits of the sacrament of penance if he humbly lists his faults, on his knees and in a low voice, briefly and clearly, modestly and without useless words, without seeking to excuse himself or justify himself, and without exaggerating or lessening his faults. 

This is important for those who have acquired bad habits, and who wish to make a holy use of the sacrament of Penance after practicing the conciliar religion for years. Confession is not an interview, a dialogue, an opportunity to tell one’s life story. It is not the place to voice spiritual considerations, tell of the graces received or reflect upon the meaning one’s existence as with a close friend. It is the moment to confess one’s sins simply and with a contrite heart. It is not supposed to be a long monologue.

The penitent is there to place his burden at the feet of the priest and submit himself to his opinion, his spiritual advice, and his judgment as minister of God. If need be, he can ask the priest to help him make a good and holy confession.