Perfect Act of Contrition?

[SeekerM]

What is a perfect act of contrition?

Jesus said “greater love hath no man than He who lays down his life for a friend,” but would that be love of God, or love for his friend?

Suppose a soldier, who had been guilty of some mortal sin, threw himself on a grenade to save his friends (as has happened in combat)–would that be a perfect act of contrition sufficient to absolve him from all mortal sins?

Suppose a mother (like a mother I was reading about recently) jumped from a burning building with her baby in her arms, and sheilding her baby with her body, turned over and landed on her back.

If she died in the fall, would that act be enough to remmitt any unconfessed mortal sins?

 

[Corki]

When speaking of final repentance, it’s not a perfect act of contrition, it’s an act of perfect Contrition. Perfect contrition is sorrow for one’s sins solely due to the fact that they offend God. Imperfect contrition is motivated both by sorrow for offending God AND by fear of eternal judgement.

The circumstances of one’s death do not make the act of contrition perfect, with the exception of martyrdom.

 

[Boswell]

When speaking of final repentance, it’s not a perfect act of contrition, it’s an act of perfect Contrition. Perfect contrition is sorrow for one’s sins solely due to the fact that they offend God. Imperfect contrition is motivated both by sorrow for offending God AND by fear of eternal judgement.

The circumstances of one’s death do not make the act of contrition perfect, with the exception of martyrdom.

I have to rely on God’s mercy for that one…try as I might to strive to be sorry for my sins solely due to the fact that they offend God, I know that in the dark recesses of my soul, it’s also because “I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell.”

 

[JamesTheJust]

An act of perfect contrition is, as Corki described, contrition based solely on sorrow for having offended God, for He is “all-loving and worthy of all love.” It suffices to return one to a state of grace, so that one is fit to receive Holy Communion, but one has an obligation to confess to a priest at the very next opportunity.

 

[Seraphignatius]

What is a perfect act of contrition?

Jesus said “greater love hath no man than He who lays down his life for a friend,” but would that be love of God, or love for his friend?

Suppose a soldier, who had been guilty of some mortal sin, threw himself on a grenade to save his friends (as has happened in combat)–would that be a perfect act of contrition sufficient to absolve him from all mortal sins?

Suppose a mother (like a mother I was reading about recently) jumped from a burning building with her baby in her arms, and sheilding her baby with her body, turned over and landed on her back.

If she died in the fall, would that act be enough to remmitt any unconfessed mortal sins?

I believe that in many such cases the graces necessary for their conversion and final repentance are given them in their final moments, but it sure as heck isn’t something to bet on.

 

[Starrsmother]

What is a perfect act of contrition?

Jesus said “greater love hath no man than He who lays down his life for a friend,” but would that be love of God, or love for his friend?

Suppose a soldier, who had been guilty of some mortal sin, threw himself on a grenade to save his friends (as has happened in combat)–would that be a perfect act of contrition sufficient to absolve him from all mortal sins?

Suppose a mother (like a mother I was reading about recently) jumped from a burning building with her baby in her arms, and sheilding her baby with her body, turned over and landed on her back.

If she died in the fall, would that act be enough to remmitt any unconfessed mortal sins?

I think one thing, and it’s different from some of these posts. Firstly, NONE of us know what would truly count as a truly perfect act of contrition. God will judge that. Having said that, if a person gave his life for another for whatever reason, I suspect that God takes notice. Is it enough to buy one’s ticket to Paradise? Maybe it is—maybe the human being in question, finally got his life right at the last minute! There is no greater sacrifice than one’s own life.

 

[smichhertz]

I think one thing, and it’s different from some of these posts. Firstly, NONE of us know what would truly count as a truly perfect act of contrition. God will judge that.

This is a key point right here. If someone is in mortal sin, and has perfect contrition for it, they should still abstain from receiving Communion until they’ve gone to Confession. Why? Because they cannot know for sure.

The situations the OPer described are not acts of contrition, they’re just different kinds of heroic deaths. An act of contrition is when we acknowledge our sins and ask God for pardon and forgiveness.

 

[thistle]

This is a key point right here. If someone is in mortal sin, and has perfect contrition for it, **they should still abstain from receiving Communion until they’ve gone to Confession. **Why? Because they cannot know for sure.

The situations the OPer described are not acts of contrition, they’re just different kinds of heroic deaths. An act of contrition is when we acknowledge our sins and ask God for pardon and forgiveness.

Actually its not should not but must not receive Communion until they receive absolution at Confession.

 

[Starrsmother]

This is a key point right here. If someone is in mortal sin, and has perfect contrition for it, they should still abstain from receiving Communion until they’ve gone to Confession. Why? Because they cannot know for sure.

The situations the OPer described are not acts of contrition, they’re just different kinds of heroic deaths. An act of contrition is when we acknowledge our sins and ask God for pardon and forgiveness.

Agreed----but still none of us can discern a perfect act of contrition–thus all we can do is hope and pray!

 

[Vico]

Actually its not should not but must not receive Communion until they receive absolution at Confession.

It is such a strong injunction that a canon is dedicated to it in each of the canon laws (celebrate pertains to the priest, receive to all):CIC Canon 916 A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to celebrate Mass or receive the body of the Lord without previous sacramental confession unless there is a grave reason and there is no opportunity to confess; in this case the person is to remember the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition which includes the resolution of confessing as soon as possible.

CCEO Canon 711 A person who is conscious of serious sin is not to celebrate the Divine Liturgy nor receive the Divine Eucharist unless a serious reason is present and there is no opportunity of receiving the sacrament of penance; in this case the person should make an act of perfect condition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible.
The New Commentary on the Code of Cannon Law has, p 1111:Grave reasons for going to communion without confessing include danger of death and serious embarrassment if Communion is not taken. Lack of opportunity to confess includes absence of a confessor, inability to approach the confessor at a scheduled time for the sacrament, and the availability only of a confessor who is known personally and who cannot be approached without embarrassment.

 

[IrishAm]

The old joke is “what is a perfect act of contrition – and who decides?” I know for sure that the decision is above my pay grade . . .

 

[Vico]

The old joke is “what is a perfect act of contrition – and who decides?” I know for sure that the decision is above my pay grade . . .

One can be morally certain of their perfect contrition if the following act of contrition can truthfully be said: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.

It is not as difficult as it is for a plenary indulgence which requires detachment from all sin, even venial.

 

[SeekerM]

It is such a strong injunction that a canon is dedicated to it in each of the canon laws (celebrate pertains to the priest, receive to all):CIC Canon 916 A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to celebrate Mass or receive the body of the Lord without previous sacramental confession unless there is a grave reason and there is no opportunity to confess; in this case the person is to remember the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition which includes the resolution of confessing as soon as possible.

CCEO Canon 711 A person who is conscious of serious sin is not to celebrate the Divine Liturgy nor receive the Divine Eucharist unless a serious reason is present and there is no opportunity of receiving the sacrament of penance; in this case the person should make an act of perfect condition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible.
The New Commentary on the Code of Cannon Law has, p 1111:Grave reasons for going to communion without confessing include danger of death and serious embarrassment if Communion is not taken. Lack of opportunity to confess includes absence of a confessor, inability to approach the confessor at a scheduled time for the sacrament, and the availability only of a confessor who is known personally and who cannot be approached without embarrassment.

Does the New Commentary on the code of canmon law really say that on page 1111, or is that some kind of joke?

You can receive Communion without confessing if not receiving Communion would cause you “serrious embarressment”?

That doesn’t sound right.

 

[Bookcat]

Ordinarily one must go to confession first if one has committed a mortal sin:

Catechism:

1385 To respond to this invitation we must prepare ourselves for so great and so holy a moment. St. Paul urges us to examine our conscience: "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself."218 Anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to communion.

scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a3.htm#VI

Catholic Answers: catholic.com/quickquestions/can-someone-who-has-committed-a-mortal-sin-receive-communion-if-he-makes-a-perfect-ac

 

[Bookcat]

What is a perfect act of contrition?

Jesus said “greater love hath no man than He who lays down his life for a friend,” but would that be love of God, or love for his friend?

Suppose a soldier, who had been guilty of some mortal sin, threw himself on a grenade to save his friends (as has happened in combat)–would that be a perfect act of contrition sufficient to absolve him from all mortal sins?

Suppose a mother (like a mother I was reading about recently) jumped from a burning building with her baby in her arms, and sheilding her baby with her body, turned over and landed on her back.

If she died in the fall, would that act be enough to remmitt any unconfessed mortal sins?

Catechism:

1452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.51

1453 The contrition called “imperfect” (or “attrition”) is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin’s ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.52

scborromeo.org/ccc/ccc_toc.htm

(PS for readers: Venial sins can be forgiven in many ways…imperfect contrition, prayer, acts of love, reading Sacred Scripture, prayerful use of holy water, the Our Father etc too…though frequent confession of them too is very very good -see the Catechism)

God can give a person even in their last moment - the grace of perfect contrition (we ought not presume of course that God will and remain in a life of mortal sin or something -but yes it is possible even in the last moment).

 

[Bookcat]

Now what can be helpful to know is that the grace of perfect contrition is also compatible with lesser motives. Just because one sees the sins ugliness or fears hell …does not mean that one therefore does not have perfect contrition. Such can co-exist with other motives.

And note well (NB) - that contrition need not involve any “feeling”. It is not about feeling in essence but our will and the grace of God. Though feeling contrite is good of course…it is better. But feelings are not under our direct command…

Let us turn to Jesus the Good Shepherd with confidence and love …let us repent and believe the Gospel. Let us seek that by his grace -true life.

 

[SeekerM]

Catechism:

1452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.51

1453 The contrition called “imperfect” (or “attrition”) is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin’s ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.52

scborromeo.org/ccc/ccc_toc.htm

(PS for readers: Venial sins can be forgiven in many ways…imperfect contrition, prayer, acts of love, reading Sacred Scripture, prayerful use of holy water, the Our Father etc too…though frequent confession of them too is very very good -see the Catechism)

God can give a person even in their last moment - the grace of perfect contrition (we ought not presume of course that God will and remain in a life of mortal sin or something -but yes it is possible even in the last moment).

Thank you.

Now what can be helpful to know is that the grace of perfect contrition is also compatible with lesser motives. Just because one sees the sins ugliness or fears hell …does not mean that one therefore does not have perfect contrition. Such can co-exist with other motives.

And note well (NB) - that contrition need not involve any “feeling”. It is not about feeling in essence but our will and the grace of God. Though feeling contrite is good of course…it is better. But feelings are not under our direct command…

Let us turn to Jesus the Good Shepherd with confidence and love …let us repent and believe the Gospel. Let us seek that by his grace -true life.

And thank you.

 

[Vico]

Does the New Commentary on the code of canmon law really say that on page 1111, or is that some kind of joke?

You can receive Communion without confessing if not receiving Communion would cause you “serrious embarressment”?

That doesn’t sound right.

Yes, that is published there in the New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law.

Not without confessing, that would be sacrilege. When the requisite conditions exist, one must first* certainly* make an act of perfect contrition privately with the intention to confess individually as soon as possible. You can also read about that canon on the Catholic apologists site:

jimmyakin.com/2010/10/youthful-passions.html

 

[thistle]

One can be morally certain of their perfect contrition if the following act of contrition can truthfully be said: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.

It is not as difficult as it is for a plenary indulgence which requires detachment from all sin, even venial.

Saying the words is not sufficient. A person has to be truly sorry.

Even if an act of perfect contrition is made (and I really defy anyone to know 100% they have made such an act) it is NOT permitted to receive Communion before going to Confession and receiving absolution.

 

[Vico]

Saying the words is not sufficient. A person has to be truly sorry.

Even if an act of perfect contrition is made (and I really defy anyone to know 100% they have made such an act) it is NOT permitted to receive Communion before going to Confession and receiving absolution.

Of course, and that is what “can truthfully be said” means. Priests permit Catholics to receive without absolution all the time even those in manifest sin. For the individual, it is possible to properly receive without prior absolution by a priest, as mentioned in Canon 916.