Act of Contrition
The prayer of repentance said in Confession and in the nightly examination of conscience.
Also known as: Oh My God, I am heartily sorry · Prayer of Contrition
and 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.
When to pray
In Confession and before sleep.
Latin text
eaque detestor, quia peccando non solum poenas a Te iuste statutas promeritus sum,
sed praesertim quia Te offendi, summum bonum, ac dignum qui super omnia diligaris.
Firmiter propono, adiuvante gratia Tua, de cetero me non peccaturum peccandique occasiones proximas fugiturum. Amen.
Origin
The Act of Contrition is a traditional prayer in the Catholic Church, frequently recited during the Sacrament of Penance or as part of daily prayers. While not attributed to a single author or specific date, it developed over centuries as an expression of penitential spirituality. Its importance was emphasized after the Council of Trent, which underscored the necessity of contrition for the forgiveness of sins. It is fundamental to the practice of penance and reconciliation.
In other languages
Ato de Contrição (Português) · Acto de Contrición (Español) · Atto di dolore (Italiano) · Akt Skruchy (Polski) · Gawa ng Pagsisisi (Tagalog)