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PT

Act of Contrition

2 min
Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In nómine Patris, et Fílii, et Spíritus Sancti. Amen.

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, 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.

About this prayer

A prayer expressing sorrow for sin and firm purpose of amendment. The Act of Contrition may be prayed at any time, especially before sleep, before confession, or whenever one has offended God.

History

Acts of contrition have been part of Catholic prayer since the earliest centuries. The traditional long form developed in the medieval period. An Act of Perfect Contrition — sorrow arising from love of God rather than fear of punishment — remits even mortal sin when sacramental confession is impossible, provided the intention to confess remains.

How to pray it

Choose the form that suits you. The traditional form is the most complete. The short form is ideal for quick recollection throughout the day. The perfect contrition form is especially valuable in emergencies when confession is not possible.

Portuguese text: Felipe Aquino, *O que são as Indulgências?* (Cléofas), as transcribed by Canção Nova — [blog.cancaonova.com](https://blog.cancaonova.com/felipeaquino/2020/11/26/obras-e-oracoes-indulgenciadas/)

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