Would this be true sorrow for my sins?

[Christ_Conquers]

Hi,
Yesterday i went to confession, but I’m wondering if i had true sorrow for my sins. I’m very scrupulous so i feel really guilty when i commit, or think it commit a sin. So i’m worried that the reason i decided to go to confession could have been, at least partly/mostly, because i felt really bad and guilty. I also went because i wanted to return to Our Lord, and be able to go to heaven. When i was in line i prayed that i would be truly sorry, and i made a firm purpose of amendment.

I guess my question is: would it be sufficient to be sorry because you wanted to be able to go to heaven and be in communion with God? would that fall under, imperfect contrition?

 

[buc_fan33]

As a priest, let me assure you that you have sufficient contrition. In fact, for the purpose of Confession, all that is needed is imperfect contrition. What that means is simply fearing the loss of heaven and eternal damnation. Your love of God is certainly sufficient.

I would speak with a good spiritual director about scrupulosity. It is a terrible burden on the soul. Sadly, it’s a problem that many faithful Catholics struggle with and even more sadly, encourage others to struggle with.

Rest assured, if the priest prayed the prayer of absolution, you are absolved.

 

[Aeden]

Your contrition met the very definition of attrition, which is all that is necessary for confession! Also, as Buc said, you should probably seek out a spiritual director for help with scrupulosity.

 

[Warandpeace]

As a priest, let me assure you that you have sufficient contrition. In fact, for the purpose of Confession, all that is needed is imperfect contrition. What that means is simply fearing the loss of heaven and eternal damnation. Your love of God is certainly sufficient.

I would speak with a good spiritual director about scrupulosity. It is a terrible burden on the soul. Sadly, it’s a problem that many faithful Catholics struggle with and even more sadly, encourage others to struggle with.

Rest assured, if the priest prayed the prayer of absolution, you are absolved.

I have had priests say “I absolve you of your sins.” Is this the same as the prayer of absolution?

 

[buc_fan33]

The answer is yes and no. It’s valid, but illicit. All that is REQUIRED for the sacrament are the words, “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Fath, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”. But, he really should pray the entire prayer of absolution. However, I can think of at least one occasion where a brother priest who is very solid, stands with the Church, would never do anything against the Church, etc., told me he simply forgot the words of absolution. He did not have a “card” with him, and try as he might, he just drew a blank. In that case, he simply said the above words.

If you are having doubts, my advice to you would first of all be to not worry. If the priest messed up the prayer of absolution, either intentionally or unintentionally, that’s on him either way. I think it’s safe to say that the Church provides in this case. You made a good faith effort for your part, and the Lord understands this. Thoughts of doubt for a faithful soul are most certainly not from the Lord. “He is not a God of deception!”

Second of all, just mention it the next time you confess. Beyond that, be very much at peace.