How do we know when our contrition is perfect?

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expectthebest

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Is there really any way to know if our contrition is perfect enough for a mortal sin to be forgiven before you are able to make it to confession? What if you are sorry both because you hurt God and because you want to avoid hell?

If a person commits a mortal sin, is it generally considered enough to repent the best you can until you can get to confession at the regular time? Or, should that person call a Priest to hear his confession any time of night or day, beat down the door if need be, to get the sin confessed since we do not know when we will die. Or, is it enough that one has the desire to go to confession when time permits?
 
Hi,

That’s just the point. There is no way to know of one’s contrition is perfect. The Church teaches that we can try to make an act of perfect contrition if in danger of death and no priest is available. But at all other times one must actually go to Confession before receiving Holy Communion if one is in the state of mortal sin. By all means, call the priest. We’re talking eternal life and eternal death here!

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.
 
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