"I say to you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon ninety-nine just who need not penance." Luke 15, 7
After Confession
1. As soon after Confession as you conveniently can, perform your Penance, and renew your resolutions of avoiding all sin, and of taking all the means for so doing, by avoiding the occasions and temptations of sin; and then you may have a perfect confidence, with devout thankfulness, that all your sins, through the mercy of God, are forgiven.
2. Consider how you can amend your life. This will be best done by fixing your attention on one or two of your more prominent defects of character, and directing your chief efforts to overcome these by such means as the following; 1. Conceive a strong desire to overcome these faults, frequently renew your resolution, and examine yourself particularly upon them. 2. When you commit them, punish yourself in some way for it. 3. Endeavor always to have the thought of Christ present in your mind, and direct short prayers to Him, especially when you are attacked by temptations, or when you are necessarily exposed to the danger of sinning. 4. Meditate frequently on those subjects most calculated to excite your fears, hopes, and affections, as Death and Judgment, the Love of God, His kindnesses to you. His promises, etc. Be earnest and persevere with a good hope of victory, through the grace of Jesus Christ.
O most merciful God, who according to the multitude of Thy mercies dost so put away the sins of those who truly repent that Thou rememberest them no more: look graciously upon me, Thine unworthy servant, and accept my confession for Thy mercy's sake; receive my humble thanks, most loving Father, that of Thy great goodness Thou hast given me pardon for all my sins. O may Thy love and pity supply whatsoever has been wanting in the sufficiency of my contrition, and the fulness of my confession. And do Thou, O Lord, vouchsafe to grant me the help of Thy grace, that I may diligently amend my life and persevere in Thy service unto the end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Since I have so grievously insulted Thee, O most tender and loving God, by my manifold sins and negligences, I am ready now to make perfect satisfaction to Thy divine justice to the utmost of my ability. To this end I will faithfully and most reverently perform the penance appointed me by my confessor in Thy name; and would that I could perform it with so great devotion and love as to give Thee an honor and delight greater than the insult and outrage of my sins! And that this may be so, I unite and blend this my penance with all the works of satisfaction which Thy beloved Son accomplished during the three-and-thirty years of His life on earth, and in union with His fastings, His watchings, and His prayers, I offer Thee this my penance and my prayer. Look down, therefore, O most loving Father, upon me Thy most bounden debtor, now prostrate at Thy feet, desiring to make Thee adequate satisfaction and reparation for all the insults and injuries I have done Thee; and grant me strength and grace to say this prayer according to Thy most holy will. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, bless, I beseech Thee, Thy servant who has now ministered to me in Thy name. Help me to remember his good counsel and advice, and to perform duly what he has rightly laid upon me. And grant him the abundance of Thy grace and favor, that his own soul may be refreshed and strengthened for Thy perfect service, and that he may come at last to the joy of Thy heavenly kingdom. Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
O most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, I, an unworthy sinner, would beg Thee to be mindful of all the holy thoughts which have been Thine from eternity until now; above all, that one by which Thou, O Eternal Word, didst will to become man.
O most sweet Jesus Christ, I, an unworthy sinner, yet redeemed by Thy precious Blood, would beg Thee to be mindful of all the good works which Thou wroughtest on the earth for our salvation. I beseech Thee, most compassionate Lord, pardon me whatsoever, by my ill deeds, I have at any time knowingly or unknowingly committed, or have caused others to commit, against Thy law and the glory of Thy name.
O LORD Jesus Christ, Pattern of humility, who didst empty Thyself of Thy glory, and take upon Thee the form of a servant: root out of us all pride and conceit of heart, that, owning ourselves miserable and guilty sinners, we may willingly bear contempt and reproaches for Thy sake, and, glorying in nothing but Thee, may esteem ourselves lowly in Thy sight. Not unto us, O Lord, but to Thy name be the praise, for Thy loving mercy and for Thy truth's sake. Amen.
2. Against Covetousness.
O LORD Jesus Christ, who though Thou wast rich yet for our sakes didst become poor, grant that all over-eagerness and covetousness of earthly goods may die in us, and the desire of heavenly things may live and grow in us: keep us from all idle and vain expenditures, that we may always have to give to him that needeth, and that giving not grudgingly nor of necessity, but cheerfully, we may be loved of Thee, and be made through Thy merits partakers of the riches of Thy heavenly treasure. Amen.
3. Against Lust.
O LORD Jesus Christ, Guardian of chaste souls, and lover of purity, who wast pleased to take our nature and to be born of an immaculate Virgin: mercifully look upon my infirmity. Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me; help me to drive away all evil thoughts, to conquer every sinful desire, and so pierce my flesh with the fear of Thee that, this worst enemy being overcome, I may serve Thee with a chaste body and please Thee with a pure heart. Amen.
4. Against Anger.
O most meek Jesus, Prince of Peace, who, when Thou wast reviled, didst not revile, and on the Cross didst pray for Thy murderers: implant in our hearts the virtues of gentleness and patience, that, restraining the fierceness of anger, impatience, and resentment, we may overcome evil with good, for Thy sake love our enemies, and as children of our heavenly Father seek Thy peace and evermore rejoice in Thy love. Amen.
5. Against Gluttony.
O LORD Jesus Christ, Mirror of abstinence, Who, to teach us the virtue of abstinence, didst fast forty days and forty nights, grant that, serving Thee and not our own appetites, we may live soberly and piously with contentment, without greediness, gluttony, or drunkenness, that Thy will being our meat and drink, we may hunger and thirst after justice, and finally obtain from Thee that food which endureth unto life eternal. Amen.
6. Against Envy.
O most loving Jesus, Pattern of charity, who makest all the commandments of the law to consist in love towards God and towards man, grant to us so to love Thee with all our heart, with all our mind, and all our soul, and our neighbor for Thy sake, that the grace of charity and brotherly love may dwell in us, and all envy, harshness, and ill-will may die in us; and fill our hearts with love, kindness, and compassion, so that by constantly rejoicing in the happiness and success of others, by sympathizing with them in their sorrows, and putting away all harsh judgments and envious thoughts, we may follow Thee, who art Thyself the true and perfect love. Amen.
7. Against Sloth.
O LORD Jesus Christ, eternal Love, who in the garden didst pray so long and so fervently that Thy sweat was, as it were, drops of blood falling down to the ground: put away from us, we beseech Thee, all sloth and inactivity both of body and mind; kindle within us the fire of Thy love; strengthen our weakness, that whatsoever our hand is able to do we may do earnestly, and that, striving heartily to please Thee in this life, we may have Thee hereafter as our reward exceedingly great. Amen.
2. Consider how you can amend your life. This will be best done by fixing your attention on one or two of your more prominent defects of character, and directing your chief efforts to overcome these by such means as the following; 1. Conceive a strong desire to overcome these faults, frequently renew your resolution, and examine yourself particularly upon them. 2. When you commit them, punish yourself in some way for it. 3. Endeavor always to have the thought of Christ present in your mind, and direct short prayers to Him, especially when you are attacked by temptations, or when you are necessarily exposed to the danger of sinning. 4. Meditate frequently on those subjects most calculated to excite your fears, hopes, and affections, as Death and Judgment, the Love of God, His kindnesses to you. His promises, etc. Be earnest and persevere with a good hope of victory, through the grace of Jesus Christ.
O most merciful God, who according to the multitude of Thy mercies dost so put away the sins of those who truly repent that Thou rememberest them no more: look graciously upon me, Thine unworthy servant, and accept my confession for Thy mercy's sake; receive my humble thanks, most loving Father, that of Thy great goodness Thou hast given me pardon for all my sins. O may Thy love and pity supply whatsoever has been wanting in the sufficiency of my contrition, and the fulness of my confession. And do Thou, O Lord, vouchsafe to grant me the help of Thy grace, that I may diligently amend my life and persevere in Thy service unto the end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Since I have so grievously insulted Thee, O most tender and loving God, by my manifold sins and negligences, I am ready now to make perfect satisfaction to Thy divine justice to the utmost of my ability. To this end I will faithfully and most reverently perform the penance appointed me by my confessor in Thy name; and would that I could perform it with so great devotion and love as to give Thee an honor and delight greater than the insult and outrage of my sins! And that this may be so, I unite and blend this my penance with all the works of satisfaction which Thy beloved Son accomplished during the three-and-thirty years of His life on earth, and in union with His fastings, His watchings, and His prayers, I offer Thee this my penance and my prayer. Look down, therefore, O most loving Father, upon me Thy most bounden debtor, now prostrate at Thy feet, desiring to make Thee adequate satisfaction and reparation for all the insults and injuries I have done Thee; and grant me strength and grace to say this prayer according to Thy most holy will. Amen.
Here perform your sacramental Penance, and then say:
O Most holy Father, I offer Thee this my confession and my satisfaction in union with all the acts of penance which have ever been done to the glory of Thy holy name: beseeching Thee that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to accept it, and to render it availing through the merits of the Passion of Thy beloved Son, and through the intercession of the ever-blessed Virgin Mary, and of all Thy holy Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, and Virgins. Whatever has been lacking to me in sincere and earnest preparation, in perfect contrition, in frank and clear confession, I commend to the most loving heart of Thine only-begotten Son, that Treasury of all good and of all grace, from whose overflowing abundance all debts to Thee are fully acquitted; that, through it, all my negligences and defects in the reception of this holy Sacrament may be fully and perfectly supplied to Thine everlasting praise and glory: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.O Lord Jesus Christ, bless, I beseech Thee, Thy servant who has now ministered to me in Thy name. Help me to remember his good counsel and advice, and to perform duly what he has rightly laid upon me. And grant him the abundance of Thy grace and favor, that his own soul may be refreshed and strengthened for Thy perfect service, and that he may come at last to the joy of Thy heavenly kingdom. Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
O most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, I, an unworthy sinner, would beg Thee to be mindful of all the holy thoughts which have been Thine from eternity until now; above all, that one by which Thou, O Eternal Word, didst will to become man.
Our Father.
O most merciful Lord, I pray Thee, from the bottom of my heart, to pardon me all the vain, foul, and evil thoughts which, up to this hour, I have entertained, or in any way have caused others to entertain, against or beside Thy will.
Our Father.
II.
O most compassionate Lord Jesus Christ, I, a miserable sinner, would beg Thee to be mindful of all the good and saving words which Thou didst ever speak when on earth.
Our Father.
I humbly pray Thee, O good Jesus, to forgive me all the words which up to this hour I have uttered or caused others to utter against Thy holy will.
Our Father.
III.
O most sweet Jesus Christ, I, an unworthy sinner, yet redeemed by Thy precious Blood, would beg Thee to be mindful of all the good works which Thou wroughtest on the earth for our salvation. I beseech Thee, most compassionate Lord, pardon me whatsoever, by my ill deeds, I have at any time knowingly or unknowingly committed, or have caused others to commit, against Thy law and the glory of Thy name.
Our Father.
And now, O most gracious Lord, direct and order all my thoughts, words, and works according to Thy good pleasure, and to the praise of Thy name; and conform them to the perfect pattern of Thy most holy life and conversation. I am Thine, and will be Thine, O Lord, in life and in death; into Thy hands I commend myself and all that I have.
Our Father.
1. Against Pride.O LORD Jesus Christ, Pattern of humility, who didst empty Thyself of Thy glory, and take upon Thee the form of a servant: root out of us all pride and conceit of heart, that, owning ourselves miserable and guilty sinners, we may willingly bear contempt and reproaches for Thy sake, and, glorying in nothing but Thee, may esteem ourselves lowly in Thy sight. Not unto us, O Lord, but to Thy name be the praise, for Thy loving mercy and for Thy truth's sake. Amen.
2. Against Covetousness.
O LORD Jesus Christ, who though Thou wast rich yet for our sakes didst become poor, grant that all over-eagerness and covetousness of earthly goods may die in us, and the desire of heavenly things may live and grow in us: keep us from all idle and vain expenditures, that we may always have to give to him that needeth, and that giving not grudgingly nor of necessity, but cheerfully, we may be loved of Thee, and be made through Thy merits partakers of the riches of Thy heavenly treasure. Amen.
3. Against Lust.
O LORD Jesus Christ, Guardian of chaste souls, and lover of purity, who wast pleased to take our nature and to be born of an immaculate Virgin: mercifully look upon my infirmity. Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me; help me to drive away all evil thoughts, to conquer every sinful desire, and so pierce my flesh with the fear of Thee that, this worst enemy being overcome, I may serve Thee with a chaste body and please Thee with a pure heart. Amen.
4. Against Anger.
O most meek Jesus, Prince of Peace, who, when Thou wast reviled, didst not revile, and on the Cross didst pray for Thy murderers: implant in our hearts the virtues of gentleness and patience, that, restraining the fierceness of anger, impatience, and resentment, we may overcome evil with good, for Thy sake love our enemies, and as children of our heavenly Father seek Thy peace and evermore rejoice in Thy love. Amen.
5. Against Gluttony.
O LORD Jesus Christ, Mirror of abstinence, Who, to teach us the virtue of abstinence, didst fast forty days and forty nights, grant that, serving Thee and not our own appetites, we may live soberly and piously with contentment, without greediness, gluttony, or drunkenness, that Thy will being our meat and drink, we may hunger and thirst after justice, and finally obtain from Thee that food which endureth unto life eternal. Amen.
6. Against Envy.
O most loving Jesus, Pattern of charity, who makest all the commandments of the law to consist in love towards God and towards man, grant to us so to love Thee with all our heart, with all our mind, and all our soul, and our neighbor for Thy sake, that the grace of charity and brotherly love may dwell in us, and all envy, harshness, and ill-will may die in us; and fill our hearts with love, kindness, and compassion, so that by constantly rejoicing in the happiness and success of others, by sympathizing with them in their sorrows, and putting away all harsh judgments and envious thoughts, we may follow Thee, who art Thyself the true and perfect love. Amen.
7. Against Sloth.
O LORD Jesus Christ, eternal Love, who in the garden didst pray so long and so fervently that Thy sweat was, as it were, drops of blood falling down to the ground: put away from us, we beseech Thee, all sloth and inactivity both of body and mind; kindle within us the fire of Thy love; strengthen our weakness, that whatsoever our hand is able to do we may do earnestly, and that, striving heartily to please Thee in this life, we may have Thee hereafter as our reward exceedingly great. Amen.
O most humble Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, eternal praise and thanksgiving be to Thee, because in Thy tenderest age, on the eighth day of Thy mortal life, Thou didst vouchsafe to shed Thy precious and innocent Blood for us, and as a true Son of Abraham to bear the pain of circumcision.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I beg at Thee the grace of humility against all pride and worldly vanity.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I ask of Thee the grace of liberality against all covetousness and avarice.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I implore of Thee the grace of chastity against all sensuality and lust.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I pray Thee for the grace of meekness against all anger and desire of revenge.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I beseech of Thee the grace of temperance and abstinence against all greediness and gluttony.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I beg of Thee the grace of brotherly love against all envy and jealousy.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I earnestly pray Thee for the grace of holy zeal and fervor against all sloth and weariness in Thy service, and in every religious exercise.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I beg at Thee the grace of humility against all pride and worldly vanity.
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, who by Thy Cross and precious Blood hast redeemed us: save us, and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.
II.
O Thou whose love is like the pelican's for her young, Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, eternal praise and thanksgiving be to Thee, because in the Garden, out of the exceeding anguish of Thy Heart, Thou didst pour forth a bloody sweat, and, wholly resigning Thyself to death, didst offer it to Thy Father.By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I ask of Thee the grace of liberality against all covetousness and avarice.
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, who by Thy Cross and precious Blood hast redeemed us: save us, and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.
III.
O Most chaste Spouse, Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, eternal praise and thanksgiving be to Thee, because Thou didst suffer Thyself to be mercilessly bound in Pilate's judgment hall, and Thy virginal flesh to be cruelly scourged and mangled.By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I implore of Thee the grace of chastity against all sensuality and lust.
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, who by Thy Cross and precious Blood hast redeemed us: save us, and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.
IV.
O Most meek Lamb, Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, eternal praise and thanksgiving be to Thee, because Thou didst suffer Thy sacred Head to be crowned with piercing thorns and struck with a hard reed.By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I pray Thee for the grace of meekness against all anger and desire of revenge.
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, who by Thy Cross and precious Blood hast redeemed us: save us, and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.
V.
O Most sweet Jesus Christ, Pattern of temperance and self-denial, true God and true Man, eternal praise and thanksgiving be to Thee, because Thou didst allow Thy garments to be torn from Thy bleeding body both before and after the carrying of Thy Cross, which opened Thy wounds again, and caused them to bleed afresh.By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I beseech of Thee the grace of temperance and abstinence against all greediness and gluttony.
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, who by Thy Cross and precious Blood hast redeemed us: save us, and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.
VI.
O Good and faithful Samaritan, Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, eternal praise and thanksgiving be to Thee, because out of Thy burning love for us Thou didst suffer Thy sacred Hands and Feet to be pierced and nailed to the Cross for our redemption.By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I beg of Thee the grace of brotherly love against all envy and jealousy.
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, who by Thy Cross and precious Blood hast redeemed us: save us, and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.
VII.
O Most zealous High-Priest, true God and true Man, eternal praise and thanksgiving be to Thee, because Thou didst suffer Thy sacred side to be pierced, opened, and wounded with a spear.By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I earnestly pray Thee for the grace of holy zeal and fervor against all sloth and weariness in Thy service, and in every religious exercise.
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, who by Thy Cross and precious Blood hast redeemed us: save us, and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.
Psalms of Thanksgiving for a good Confession
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PSALM 102 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and let all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and forget not all His benefits. Who forgiveth Thee all thine iniquities; who healeth all thine infirmities. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction: who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion. Who satisfteth thy desire with good things: thy youth shall be renewed like the eagle's. The Lord doth mercies and judgment: for all that suffer wrong. He hath made His ways known unto Moses: His will unto the children of Israel. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: long-suffering and plenteous in mercy He will not always be angry: neither will He threaten for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins: nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth: so hath He strengthened His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west: so far hath He removed our iniquities from us. As a father hath pity upon his children, so hath the Lord pity upon them that fear Him; for He knoweth whereof we are made. He remembereth that we are but dust: man's days are as the grass, as the flower of the field so shall he flourish. For the wind shall pass over it, and it shall not be: and one shall know its place no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting: upon them that fear Him; And His justice upon children's children; unto such as keep His covenant; And are mindful of His commandments: to do them. The Lord hath prepared His throne in heaven: and His kingdom shall rule over all. Bless the Lord, all ye His angels: ye that are mighty in strength, and fulfil His commandment, hearkening to the voice of His words. Bless the Lord, all ye His hosts; ye ministers of His that do His will. Bless the Lord, all ye His works: in every place of His dominion bless the Lord, O my soul. Glory be to the Father, etc. |
PSALM 15 Preserve me, O Lord, for in Thee have I put my trust: I have said to the Lord, Thou art my God, for Thou hast no need of my goods. To the saints who are in His land: He hath made wonderful all my desires in them. Their infirmities were multiplied: afterwards they made haste. I will not gather together their meetings for blood-offerings: nor will I make mention of their names with my lips. The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup: Thou art He that will restore my inheritance unto me. The lines are fallen unto me in goodly places: for my inheritance is goodly unto me. I will bless the Lord, who hath given me understanding: moreover my reins also have corrected me even till night. I set the Lord always in my sight: for He is at my right hand, that I be not moved. Therefore my heart hath been glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced: moreover my flesh shall rest in hope. For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell: nor wilt Thou give Thy holy one to see corruption. Thou hast made known unto me the ways of life: Thou shall fill me with joy with Thy countenance: at Thy right hand are delights for evermore. Glory be to the Father, etc. |
PSALM 19 May the Lord hear thee in the day of trouble: may the name of the God of Jacob protect thee. May He send thee help from the sanctuary: and defend thee out of Sion. May He be mindful of all thy sacrifices: and may thy whole burnt-offerings be made fat. May He give unto thee according to thine own heart: and confirm all thy counsels. We will rejoice in thy salvation: and in the name of our God we shall be exalted. The Lord fulfill all thy petitions: now have I known that the Lord hath saved His anointed. He will hear him from His holy heaven: the salvation of His right hand is powerful. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will call upon the name of the Lord our God. They are entangled and have fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. O Lord, save the king: and hear us in the day that we shall call upon Thee. Glory be to the Father, etc. |
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