Yes, when the Sacrament of Confession (also known as Reconciliation or Penance) is properly received with true contrition and a sincere intention to amend one's life, all sins—both mortal and venial—are forgiven. This forgiveness even extends to certain mortal sins that were unintentionally forgotten during the confession.
Understanding the Sacrament of Confession
The Sacrament of Confession is a powerful means instituted by Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism. Through the ministry of the priest, acting in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), individuals receive God's mercy and are reconciled with God and the Church.
Conditions for Complete Forgiveness
For a confession to be truly effective and for all sins to be forgiven, several conditions must be met by the penitent:
- Examination of Conscience: A thorough and honest reflection on one's sins since the last confession.
- Contrition: A sincere sorrow for having offended God and a firm purpose of amendment (intention not to commit the sin again). This contrition can be:
- Perfect Contrition: Sorrow arising from love of God.
- Imperfect Contrition (Attrition): Sorrow arising from fear of punishment or the ugliness of sin. While perfect contrition can forgive mortal sins even before confession (provided there's an intention to go to confession as soon as possible), imperfect contrition is sufficient for forgiveness within the sacrament.
- Confession of Sins: The verbal confession of all known mortal sins, including their number and circumstances that change their nature.
- Forgotten Mortal Sins: It is important to know that if you genuinely forget to confess a mortal sin, and it was not due to any fault of your own (e.g., deliberate omission or carelessness), that sin is still forgiven as part of the integral confession of all known mortal sins. However, once you recall it, you are obligated to mention it in your next confession.
- Absolution: The prayer of forgiveness pronounced by the priest.
- Penance: The performance of the penance assigned by the priest, which is meant to help repair the harm caused by sin and strengthen the penitent against future temptations.
Types of Sins and Their Forgiveness
The Sacrament of Confession addresses both categories of sin:
Mortal Sins
Mortal sins are grave offenses that completely sever one's relationship with God, making one spiritually dead. For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must be present: grave matter, full knowledge of the sinful act, and deliberate consent to commit it.
- Forgiveness in Confession: Mortal sins must be confessed to a priest to be forgiven, unless perfect contrition is present with the intention to confess as soon as possible. Confession restores sanctifying grace.
Venial Sins
Venial sins are less serious offenses that wound but do not break one's relationship with God. They reflect a partial turning away from God but do not deprive one of sanctifying grace.
- Forgiveness in Confession: While not strictly necessary for forgiveness (as venial sins can be forgiven through prayer, acts of charity, receiving Holy Communion, etc.), confessing venial sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation is highly recommended. It provides grace to overcome sinful habits and grows one's relationship with God.
Here's a summary of how different types of sins are addressed in confession:
| Type of Sin | Forgiveness in Confession | Key Characteristics & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortal Sin | Yes, absolutely necessary for forgiveness (unless perfect contrition with intent to confess is present). | Grave matter, full knowledge, deliberate consent. Must be specifically confessed. Forgotten mortal sins are forgiven but must be confessed when remembered. |
| Venial Sin | Yes, highly beneficial but not strictly necessary for forgiveness. | Less severe, wounds but does not break relationship with God. Confessing them helps acquire virtues and grow in holiness. |
Practical Aspects of Confession
- Preparation: Before entering the confessional, take time for an examination of conscience, reflecting on God's commandments and the teachings of the Church.
- Act of Contrition: Be ready to express your sorrow for your sins.
- Listen to Penance: Pay attention to the penance assigned by the priest and commit to fulfilling it. This act of satisfaction helps in the healing process.
Confession is a profound gift of God's mercy, offering renewal and peace. It provides the grace to overcome sin and grow closer to Him.
