By Giuseppe Monno
Simple questions and answers designed for Catholics who wish to understand the Sacrament of Confession clearly:
1. What is sin?
Sin is any action, thought, or word that distances us from God and from what is good.
2. What is Confession?
Confession is the sacrament through which we confess our sins to God, receiving His forgiveness and the grace to be reconciled to Him.
3. Why do we ask God for forgiveness?
Because God loves us deeply and desires that we be reconciled with Him.
4. Who grants forgiveness in Confession?
It is Jesus who forgives, acting through the words and ministry of the priest.
5. What is asked of us after Confession?
To follow the guidance given by the priest and to commit ourselves to correcting our behavior and attitudes.
6. What does it mean to sincerely acknowledge our faults?
It means honestly admitting before God and the priest what we have done wrong, without excuses.
7. Why is it important to do good?
Because good actions bring us closer to God, strengthen our moral conscience, and promote the common good.
8. What should we do if we fall into sin again?
Ask God for forgiveness once more, trusting in His mercy and in the sacrament of Confession.
9. Is Confession only about listing sins?
No. It is also about receiving God’s grace and forgiveness, restoring our relationship with Him, and growing in virtue.
10. What feelings might we experience after receiving forgiveness?
We may experience inner peace, serenity, and joy, knowing that we have been reconciled with God.
11. How can we reduce the risk of harming others?
By reflecting before we act, cultivating prayer and self-control, and committing ourselves to doing good.
12. Is it necessary to feel great sorrow or to cry in order to be forgiven?
No. What matters is the sincerity of the heart and the desire for conversion, not the intensity of emotions.
Even imperfect contrition (“attrition”) is sufficient, provided there is a genuine intention not to sin again and a desire to be reconciled with God.
13. What do “perfect contrition” and “imperfect contrition” mean?
– Perfect contrition: sorrow for sin motivated by love for God.
– Imperfect contrition (attrition): sorrow for sin arising from fear of consequences or damnation.
Both make the Confession valid if accompanied by a sincere intention to change one’s life.
14. If I feel nothing or remain troubled after Confession, have I been forgiven?
Yes. Emotions do not determine the validity of forgiveness. The sacrament works ex opere operato: grace depends on Christ, not on your feelings. Fear or uncertainty does not cancel the forgiveness received.
15. Are fear and scrupulosity after Confession a sin?
No. The fear of not having been sufficiently repentant is common and indicates a sensitive conscience. It is not despair. Despair is the rejection of God’s mercy; fear concerns only doubt about one’s sincerity.
16. How can I know if my repentance is valid?
It is valid if:
– You sincerely desire forgiveness.
– You want to turn away from sin.
Strong emotions are not necessary.
17. What if I forget mortal sins or the priest interrupts me?
If the omission or interruption is not deliberate, the Confession is valid and the sins are already forgiven.
Forgotten sins should be mentioned in the next Confession for completeness and peace of conscience.
18. Is Confession invalid if I do not mention all mortal sins?
Only if they are deliberately withheld.
If you had the sincere intention to confess them all, the absolution is valid.
19. Why does the Church insist on the integrity of Confession?
For three reasons:
– Sacramental integrity: confessing all remembered sins.
– Proper form of the sacrament: presenting sins before God.
– Peace of conscience: achieving inner freedom through confession.
20. What is a simple way to know if Confession is valid?
If you sincerely desire forgiveness and want to turn away from sin—even if only weakly—your Confession is valid. God grants grace independently of feelings.
21. Can the confessor reveal my sins?
No. The priest is bound by the sacramental seal, which is absolutely inviolable. Everything you say remains between you and God, through the priest.
Final Note
Confession is strictly required only for mortal sins.
Venial sins may be confessed freely, but they do not cause the loss of grace if they are not confessed.
Nevertheless, Confession remains a precious opportunity to receive grace and help even in overcoming minor faults, as it strengthens the conscience and deepens one’s spiritual life.