Act of Contrition

The Act of Contrition is a heartfelt prayer of sorrow for sin, traditionally prayed during the Sacrament of Reconciliation and at the close of the day. In it the believer acknowledges having wounded their relationship with God and resolves, with grace, to turn back toward him. Catholics across generations have prayed it as a tender act of returning home to a Father who waits with open arms.

• Also known as: O My God I Am Heartily Sorry
• Role: Traditional Catholic prayer

Go deeper in My Daily Bread

Read Act of Contrition's full story, the people and places connected to it, and how it speaks into today's readings.