In which a person confesses their sins to a priest and seeks absolution, or forgiveness, for those sins. In confession, the penitent (the person confessing their sins) admits their wrongdoing, expresses remorse for their actions, and resolves not to sin again. The priest then offers words of absolution, granting the penitent forgiveness for their sins and reconciling them with God and the Church.
Confession is seen as an important means of spiritual healing and growth in the Catholic tradition. It is one of the seven sacraments of the Church.
In the sacrament of confession, the penitent confesses their sins to a priest, who serves as a mediator between the penitent and God. The priest listens to the confession, offers guidance and counsel, and assigns the penitent penance, a form of reparation for the sins committed. The penance might include prayers, acts of charity, or other actions designed to help the penitent grow holiness and become more attuned to God’s will.
After the penitent has confessed their sins and completed their penance, the priest absolves the penitent of their sins, declaring that God forgives their sins through the power of the Church. The words usually accompany the absolution, “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
Confession is a private rite, and the content of the confession is strictly confidential. The priest is bound by the seal of confession, which means that he is not allowed to reveal anything that is said during the confession.
The sacrament of confession is an important means of spiritual healing and growth in the Catholic tradition, as it allows the penitent to confess their sins, receive forgiveness, and begin anew in their relationship with God.
