Act of Contrition # 5

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 are 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.

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The timeline of Act of Contrition # 5

The Act of Contrition #5 is a Catholic prayer that is traditionally recited during the Sacrament of Confession. Its origins are not well documented, but it is believed to have emerged in the 19th century.

The prayer emphasizes the penitent’s sorrow for sin and their desire for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. It recognizes the gravity of sin and the need for penance, but also offers hope and assurance in the power of God’s mercy.

The Act of Contrition #5 has undergone various translations and adaptations over time, reflecting the needs and concerns of different communities. Nevertheless, its essential message of repentance and trust in God’s mercy remains a powerful source of spiritual guidance and renewal for Catholics around the world.

This prayer reminds us that we are all sinners in need of God’s grace, and that genuine repentance is the first step towards reconciliation with him. It calls us to live lives of contrition and humility, seeking forgiveness from those we have wronged and striving to do better in the future.

Through the centuries, the Act of Contrition has offered comfort and strength to countless believers seeking redemption and renewal. Its enduring popularity speaks to the power of prayer to shape and transform human lives, offering us a path towards healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God and with one another.