Act of Contrition (Authorized for usage in Ireland)

O my God!
I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee;
and I detest my sins above every other evil,
because they displease Thee, my God,
Who for Thine infinite goodness
art so deserving of all my love;
and I firmly resolve,
by Thy holy grace,
never more to offend Thee,
and to amend my life.

Amen.

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Where did this prayer come from? Act of Contrition (Authorized for usage in Ireland)

The Act of Contrition is a Catholic prayer that expresses a penitential heart, contrition for sins, and repentance. It is often said during the sacrament of confession and is a standard prayer that Catholics are expected to memorize. In Ireland, an authorized version of the Act of Contrition is commonly used.

The Act of Contrition authorized for use in Ireland is known as the “Rite of Penance” and was established following the Second Vatican Council. The revised rite provides a more comprehensive experience of the sacrament of confession and includes an opportunity for private confession and the general confession of sins.

The Rite of Penance Act of Contrition acknowledges the wrong done and expresses sincere sorrow and contrition for those sins. It recognizes the mercy and forgiveness of God and the need for personal responsibility and commitment to avoid sin in future life. This prayer serves as a manifestation of sorrow and regret before the Lord.

Traditionally, the Act of Contrition was not a standard part of the Catholic liturgy, but rather a prayer that was taught to Catholics as part of their religious education. However, over time, the prayer became a standard component of the sacrament of confession, and it remains an essential aspect of Catholicism in Ireland and throughout the world.

In Ireland, the Act of Contrition is an important prayer for believers seeking to confess their sins and seek reconciliation with God. Its authorized form, the Rite of Penance, provides believers with a valuable tool for expressing contrition, seeking forgiveness, and experiencing the grace and mercy of God.