Author Topic: Perfect Contrition? (Read 2486 times)

ajpirc · « **on:** July 07, 2011, 08:59:48 AM »

I've heard many people lately talking about making perfect contritions to forgive one's sins. What is a perfect contrition and how is it made? Does a perfect contrition take away the need for Confession?

I am very confused about this topic.

(I posted the same thing on CAF)

Exilenomore · « **Reply #1 on:** July 07, 2011, 09:58:47 AM »

Making an act of perfect contrition includes the intention to confess all mortal sins before a priest. Someone who has perfect contrition has a deep sorrow for his sins out of love for Christ. If a catholic does not have the intention to confess his mortal sins, there can be no perfect contrition.

ajpirc · « **Reply #2 on:** July 07, 2011, 10:16:15 AM »

So Confession is a part of perfect contrition?

Exilenomore · « **Reply #3 on:** July 07, 2011, 10:29:57 AM »

Yes, at least the honest desire to confess all mortal sins before a priest is necessary for perfect contrition. When one does not have perfect contrition, but goes to confession driven only by the fear of hell, or because the sin is so ugly (attrition), the sacramental absolution provides for what is lacking. But even in the case of perfect contrition out of love for Christ, the intention to confess the sins is still necessary.

Nonno · « **Reply #4 on:** July 07, 2011, 10:31:15 AM »

Quote from: ajpirc

So Confession is a part of perfect contrition?

I would say "perfect contrition is a part of the Sacrament of Penance", when it truly occurs as Exilenomore says. Nobody knows when/if it actually occurs apart from the Sacrament, but it is well to shoot for it. It must be so intense that the act of love, and contrition for all sin, actually cleanses the soul to put it in the state of grace. The Sacrament of Penance only requires imperfect contrition.

ajpirc · « **Reply #5 on:** July 07, 2011, 10:41:56 AM »

Those on CAF were telling me that if one dies before confessional absolution, but they have the desire to go to Confession, then they'll be absolved. Is this perfect contrition?

gladius_veritatis · « **Reply #6 on:** July 07, 2011, 10:43:28 AM »

Nonno,

Why don't you share with us what you wrote to KP of 4M when you (repeatedly?) complained about the booklet on perfect contrition printed and sold in CT?

Nonno · « **Reply #7 on:** July 07, 2011, 10:50:49 AM »

Creepy, again! gladius, I would suggest if you have something of value to add pertaining to the OP, do so.

MyrnaM · « **Reply #8 on:** July 07, 2011, 11:24:12 AM »

Quote from: Nonno

Quote from: ajpirc
So Confession is a part of perfect contrition?

I would say "perfect contrition is a part of the Sacrament of Penance", when it truly occurs as Exilenomore says. Nobody knows when/if it actually occurs apart from the Sacrament, but it is well to shoot for it. It must be so intense that the act of love, and contrition for all sin, actually cleanses the soul to put it in the state of grace. The Sacrament of Penance only requires imperfect contrition.

It is my understanding, that one must still go to confession to confess when the opportunity presents itself. This does not mean, you can just forget to confess your sins period.

Now what about kissing the pardon crucifix?

gladius_veritatis · « **Reply #9 on:** July 07, 2011, 11:54:23 AM »

Quote from: MyrnaM

It is my understanding, that one must still go to confession to confess when the opportunity presents itself.

This is correct, even if God were to grant certain knowledge that an act of perfect contrition had cleansed the soul.

gladius_veritatis · « **Reply #10 on:** July 07, 2011, 07:08:32 PM »

Quote from: ajpirc

What is perfect contrition?

The thing that makes contrition perfect is the motive: Love of God.

IOW, fear of the fire of hell is a perfectly good, although lesser, motive, but if the sorrow flows purely from the love of God and sorrow/horror at having offended the Him, it can be styled perfect.

Quote

Does a perfect contrition take away the need for Confession?

No, it does not, provided one lives to go to Confession and wishes to receive any of the other sacraments. To "legally re-enter" the sacramental system, so to speak, one must reenter via the lawfully-established gateway: Confession. Apart from a revelation from God, one cannot even be certain that his contrition is perfect or that an act of perfect contrition has cleansed his soul.

gladius_veritatis · « **Reply #11 on:** July 07, 2011, 07:09:48 PM »

Quote from: Nonno

I would suggest if you have something of value to add pertaining to the OP, do so.

LOL! Coming from you, this is quite humorous. Thanks for the laugh, amigo :)

ajpirc · « **Reply #12 on:** July 28, 2011, 07:18:24 PM »

Ok so is confession necessary for a perfect contrition?

trad123 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 28, 2011, 07:22:35 PM »

Quote from: ajpirc

Ok so is confession necessary for a perfect contrition?

I can't help but think you don't own a catechism.

To answer your question you have to have the desire to go to confession.

Click on the amazon link at the top and search for this book and buy it:

[url]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0965602400/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0965602400&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwchanco-20

Read the catechism and you won't be having to ask questions like this.

MyrnaM · « **Reply #14 on:** July 28, 2011, 07:24:40 PM »

You receive Sanctifying grace as soon as you receive the grace for a perfect act of contrition. If you die you will save your soul, however if you continue to live, on your first opportunity you are obligated to go to confession and confess all those sins even those that were forgiven when you received grace for the gift of a perfect act of contrition.

That is the way I was taught.