Adsum

August 2004

The Efficacy of Perfect Contrition

More Answers to Today’s Moral Problems
By Very Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., S.T.D., LL.D., L.H.D.

Question: Do you recommend that priests should frequently explain in sermons and instructions the doctrine of the efficacy of perfect contrition as a means of regaining the state of grace? If so, how would you propose this doctrine?

Answer: I strongly recommend that priests frequently instruct their people in the sound principles of Catholic theology concerning the efficacy of perfect contrition and the manner of making an act of perfect contrition. For, I am sure there are many Catholics who believe that perfect contrition takes away mortal sin and restores a person to the state of grace only when he is in danger of death and cannot get to confession. Moreover, there are doubtless many who do not know how to make an act of perfect contrition. Hence, I suggest that priests frequently tell their people that an act of perfect contrition will take away mortal sin at any time and not merely in a crisis. The chief points to be explained are these: Perfect contrition simply means that one is sorry for his sins (at least his mortal) sins because sin is opposed to the goodness of God in Himself. To make an act of perfect contrition one need not exclude other motives for detesting sin, such as the fear of punishment. Perfect contrition does not necessarily include sorrow for venial sins, nor need it be accompanied by an emotional intensity. It is not difficult to make an act of perfect contrition for one who firmly believes all the doctrines of the Catholic faith. One who seeks the pardon of mortal sin through perfect contrition must have the intention of confessing that sin the next time he receives the sacrament of Penance — not necessarily as soon as possible. In the meantime he may not receive Holy Communion, but he is in the state of grace, so that if he died suddenly he would be saved. The most practical application of this doctrine is that if a person has the misfortune to commit a mortal sin he should make an act of perfect contrition as soon as possible and thus regain the friendship of God.

My God, I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee, I love Thee above all things with all my soul, with all my heart and with all my strength; I love Thee because Thou art infinitely good and worthy of being loved; and because I love Thee, I repent with all my heart of having offended Thee; have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.

— Indulgence of 300 days

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