That’s an interesting question because practice of virtue requires grace, something that is lost when in the state of mortal sin. However, I believe there are more than one kind of grace. For example, why would one be prompted to head to confession if it weren’t by the grace of God?
I must say that I have seen in myself that it is much more difficult to be virtuous when in the state of mortal sin. It weighs so heavily, like a rock in the road, the best thing to do is to remove it, ASAP.
If one is truely penitant,and feels great sorrow for ones sins,and prays for forgiveness You can feel closer to our lord. But If you do all this, believe me He will propel you to confession. It will become an obsession from which there is no escape.
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