Making an act of perfect contrition when unable to approach the Sacrament of Penance
For those who are unable to approach the sacrament of Penance in the ordinary way (confessing to a priest and receiving absolution),due to the challenges posed by the corona virus outbreak, remember that you can make a perfect act of contrition with a firm resolve to confess your sins as soon as you are able to. This act of perfect contrition does offer God’s abundant mercy and the forgiveness of sins.
Primarily, a perfect contrition comes from the very love of God who is beloved above all things and whose mercy is inexhaustible. Secondly, in making an act of perfect contrition, the penitent is required to express a sincere and genuine request to receive forgiveness from God. And lastly, the penitent must make a firm resolve to approach the sacrament in the ordinary way as soon as possible. (from the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1452)
Here are simple steps in making an act of perfect contrition:
- Find a good and private spot to pray. Reaffirm one’s belief in the love and mercy of God. God’s love for us is unconditional. Renew one’s conviction of the truth of God’s enduring love. Employ a meditation on God’s Word (e.g. Parable of the Prodigal Son, Lk. 15.11-32; Sermon on the Mount, (Mt. 5:13-6:34 or other suitable text).
- Make a good examination of conscience and articulate in prayer the request to receive forgiveness. At the end of the examination, pray the Act of Contrition or some similar prayer.
- Finally, make a firm resolve to approach the Sacrament of Penance as soon as possible.
- When possible, make satisfaction for sins against one’s neighbor. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1459)
An Act of Spiritual Communion
Following is a prayer for making an act of Spiritual Communion when receiving Holy Communion is not possible.
My
Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love you above all things and I desire to receive you in my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally,
Come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already there
And unite myself wholly to you.
Never permit me to be separated from you.
Amen.
