The Act of Contrition expresses sorrow for sins and a firm purpose of amendment. It is prayed during the Sacrament of Reconciliation and in personal examination of conscience.
Traditional Form
O my God, I am heartily sorry
for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins
because of Thy just punishments,
but most of all because they offend Thee, my God,
who art all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace,
to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin.
Amen.
Alternate Form
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help,
to do penance, to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In his name, my God, have mercy.
Amen.
Note: Various approved forms exist. The essential elements are sorrow for sin, acknowledgment of God's goodness, and a firm purpose of amendment.