Page:Withgodbookofpra00las.djvu/404

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

Then tell when you made your last confession and begin the avowal of your sins. Confess all your sins with a contrite and humble heart, and conclude thus:

For these and all the sins of my past life, especially my sins of (naming certain sins) I am heartily sorry, beg pardon of God, and absolution of you, my Father; then finish the Confiteor.

. . . Therefore, I beseech the blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to pray to the Lord our God for me.

Listen then with humility and docility to the instruction of your confessor, and during this time avoid all recurrence to the confession itself; remembering that sins forgotten after a serious examination are really comprised in the absolution. Accept with submission the penance imposed, and if any obstacle that you foresee will prevent your accomplishing it, state this respectfully.

While the priest pronounces the words of absolution endeavor to excite an act of perfect contrition. Should your spiritual Father deem it proper to defer absolution, acknowledge your unworthiness, and do not murmur. Leave the confessional resolved to use every effort, by an amendment of life and sincere repentance, to obtain God's pardon, which His minister will ratify.