Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven, and the pains of hell; 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 confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.
Contexte Historique
The Act of Contrition is a Christian prayer that expresses sorrow for sins committed. It is most often recited by penitents during the Sacrament of Penance (Confession), but it can also be used in personal prayer, especially during a nightly examination of conscience. The traditional formula articulates the two motives for sorrow: imperfect contrition (fear of Hell and the loss of Heaven) and perfect contrition (sorrow for having offended God, who is all-good and deserving of all love). The prayer has existed in various forms for centuries, becoming a staple of Catholic piety and catechesis.