A few people have asked me about the various Acts of Contrition for Reconciliation or Confession. As a child I remember learning the “Long” and the “Short”. In Ireland I think the “I am heartily sorry” one was popular. In recent decades the “Veritas” one became common in schools and has spread to adults too. The actual words are not so important, and nowadays many use their own words to express the essentials – that we are truly sorry, particularly for having offended God, and that with God’s help we will try better. Here are these four common Acts of Contrition.

LONG O my God, I am sorry and beg pardon for all my sins. I detest them above all things, because they deserve Your dreadful punishment, because they have crucified my loving Saviour, Jesus Christ, and most of all, because they offend Your infinite goodness; and I firmly resolve, by the help of Your grace, never to offend You again, and carefully to avoid the occasions of sin.

SHORT O my God, because You are so good, I am very sorry that I have sinned against You; and, by the help of Your grace, I will not sin again. Amen

IRISH O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You. I detest my sins above every other evil because they displease You who, for Your infinite goodness, are so deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve by your holy grace never more to offend You and to amend my life. Amen

VERITAS O my God, I am sorry for all my sins, for not loving others, and not loving you. Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again. Amen.

Fr Matthew