When should we attempt to make the perfect act of contrition?

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Balaco

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I’ve been reading up on the perfect act of contrition and how it may benefit us during the state of mortal sin, before confession. If we commit mortal sin, should we see to it that we attempt to make a perfect act of contrition as soon as possible? And do we have to recite a prayer, or can we actually make a perfect act of contrition just by genuinely possessing the values expressed in the various act of contrition prayers?
 
Also, are we able to decide for ourselves what kind of other penances to make (such as mortification), or we should we take this up with a priest? Either way, are penances something we are required to fulfill as soon as possible?
 
A perfect act of contrition would lead to forgiveness of said sin. The reason we still go to Confession is both Catechismal and because we don’t know fir sure if it was perfect contrition.

I’d say you’d confess to God from your heart.

As for penance, the priest will assign a penance, but you’re free to add to ot if you want.
 
mVitus said:
A perfect act of contrition would lead to forgiveness of said sin. The reason we still go to Confession is both Catechismal and because we don’t know fir sure if it was perfect contrition.

I’d say you’d confess to God from your heart.

As for penance, the priest will assign a penance, but you’re free to add to ot if you want.
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What if after this said confession you receive no instruction or guidance from the priest as to penance when you surely expected it (due to the gravity, etc) ? Do we seek counsel of another priest?
 
mVitus said:
A perfect act of contrition would lead to forgiveness of said sin. The reason we still go to Confession is both Catechismal and because we don’t know fir sure if it was perfect contrition.
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More than that…it is an obligation from God …
And the Sacrament given by God to restore his straying sheep or strengthen them.

Also one must in fact also resolve as part of the perfect contrition for mortal sin to go as soon a possible (reasonably) to confession.
 
Seek to make an act of perfect contrition as soon as one repents …in other words right away…and seek confession as soon as reasonably possible.
 
Okay, so essentially it is sufficient enough to follow the penances our priest gives us.

As for a perfect act of contrition, I’m gathering we should pray it ASAP after committing mortal sin. I’d like some clarification on a few things…

-What if we’re not certain whether we’ve committed mortal sin? Do we attempt a perfect act of contrition just to be safe, or can we trust in our judgment if we reasonably believe we haven’t committed a mortal sin?

-I’ve actually been praying the Act of Contrition linked by hazcompat already, but I’m a bit curious. If we reassert ourselves and ensure we follow the qualities of a perfect act of contrition (genuinely loving God), would we technically have to go through the formal prayer – as God would know our genuine intentions and love for him?
 
Balaco said:
As for a perfect act of contrition, I’m gathering we should pray it ASAP after committing mortal sin. I’d like some clarification on a few things…

-What if we’re not certain whether we’ve committed mortal sin? Do we attempt a perfect act of contrition just to be safe, or can we trust in our judgment if we reasonably believe we haven’t committed a mortal sin?we ought to make acts of contrition regularly any how…let us often be contrite for our sins. Also let us make acts of love of God above all often…

-I’ve actually been praying the Act of Contrition linked by hazcompat already, but I’m a bit curious. If we reassert ourselves and ensure we follow the qualities of a perfect act of contrition (genuinely loving God), would we technically have to go through the formal prayer – as God would know our genuine intentions and love for him?
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No one does not have to go through a particular prayer form. An act of love can even contain perfect contrition if one is sorry out of love of God above all and resolved to confess any mortal sin asap…

Feel free to pm me if you have a follow up question - I may not see it posted.
 
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