Variety of Act of Contrition

 

Act of Contrition

There are a variety of different Acts of Contrition suggested in the Rite of Penance. Here are a few of them.

Act of Contrition (traditional)

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love.

I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

Act of Contrition (alternate form)

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.

I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.

Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.

An Act of Contrition inspired by the Gospels

Father of mercy, like the prodigal son I return to you and say: "I have sinned against you and am no longer worthy to be called your child."

Christ Jesus, Savior of the world, I pray with the repentant thief to whom you promised Paradise: "Lord, remember me in your kingdom."

Holy Spirit, fountain of love, I call on you with trust: "Purify my heart, and help me to walk as a child of light."

An Act of Contrition inspired by the Gospels

Lord Jesus, you opened the eyes of the blind, healed the sick, forgave the sinful woman, and after Peter's denial confirmed him in your love.

Listen to my prayer: forgive all my sins, renew your love in my heart, help me to live in perfect unity with my fellow Christians that I may proclaim your saving power to all the world.

An Act of Contrition to Our Lord Jesus

Lord Jesus, you chose to be called the friend of sinners. By your saving death and resurrection free me from my sins. May your peace take root in my heart and bring forth a harvest of love, holiness, and truth.

An Act of Contrition to Jesus, the Lamb of God

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Lamb of God; you take away the sins of the world.

Through the grace of the Holy Spirit restore me to friendship with your Father, cleanse me from every stain of sin in the blood you shed for me, and raise me to new life for the glory of your name.

An Act of Contrition inspired by Psalm 51

Lord God, in your goodness have mercy on me: do not look on my sins, but take away all my guilt. Create in me a clean heart and renew within me an upright spirit.

The Jesus Prayer

Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

The Promises of the Seven Sorrows of Mary and the Power of the Seven Hail Marys

The Promises of the Seven Sorrows of Mary and the Power of the Seven Hail Marys

A Journey into the Heart of Our Sorrowful Mother

In every age of the Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary has drawn souls closer to her Son through her maternal love and compassion. One of the most powerful devotions given to us is the Devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, which helps us meditate on her deep suffering and unwavering faith during the Passion of Jesus Christ.

This devotion is not only an act of love toward Our Lady but also a path to conversion, healing, and grace — especially when we unite her sorrows with our own.

The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary

As revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden, the faithful are invited to meditate on seven key sorrows that pierced the Immaculate Heart of Mary:

1. The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25–35)

Mary hears that her Child will be “a sign that will be contradicted,” and that a sword will pierce her soul.

2. The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15)

To protect the infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt — a journey of hardship and fear.

3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–50)

After three days of anxious searching, Mary and Joseph find Jesus teaching in the Temple.

4. Mary Meets Jesus Carrying the Cross (Luke 23:27–31)

Their eyes meet on the road to Calvary — a silent exchange of unbearable sorrow and deep love.

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25–30)

Mary stands at the foot of the Cross, watching her beloved Son suffer and die for humanity.

6. The Body of Jesus Placed in the Arms of His Mother (Luke 23:50–54)

She receives His lifeless body, holding Him close for the last time.

7. The Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:55–56)

Mary watches as the stone seals the tomb — her heart, too, enclosed in silence and grief.

The Seven Promises to Those Who Practice This Devotion

Our Lady revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden seven extraordinary promises for those who daily meditate upon her sorrows and pray seven Hail Marys — one for each sorrow:

1. I will grant peace to their families.

2. They will be enlightened about the Divine Mysteries.

3. I will console them in their pains and accompany them in their work.

4. I will give them as much as they ask for — as long as it does not oppose the will of my Divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.

5. I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and protect them at every instant of their lives.

6. I will visibly help them at the moment of their death — they will see the face of their Mother.

7. I have obtained from my Divine Son that those who spread this devotion will be taken directly from earthly life to eternal happiness, as their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy.

How to Pray the Seven Sorrows Devotion

This devotion can be prayed daily or especially on Fridays, the day of the Passion.

Here’s a simple way to pray:

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross.

2. Announce the First Sorrow, reflect briefly on it, and pray one Hail Mary.

3. Continue through all seven sorrows, praying one Hail Mary for each.

4. End with:

 “O Mary, who was conceived without sin and who suffered for us, pray for us.”

You may also add an Act of Contrition and offer your prayers for the conversion of sinners and for the souls in Purgatory.

The Power of the Seven Hail Marys

The “Seven Hail Marys” prayed in honor of Our Lady’s sorrows are not mere repetition but a loving remembrance of the moments when her heart united most deeply with the sufferings of her Son.

Each Hail Mary becomes a flower of compassion offered to her sorrowful heart — and through her, graces flow abundantly to those who suffer, repent, and trust in God’s mercy.

A Mother’s Promise of Hope

In the devotion of the Seven Sorrows, we discover not only Mary’s immense pain but also her strength, her faith, and her victory through love.

When we console the Sorrowful Mother, she consoles us in return — guiding us toward Christ, the source of peace and eternal joy.

“No one will ever be lost who honors my sorrows and helps me in my tears.”

— Our Lady to St. Bridget

A Novena to Saint Expeditus (for Urgent Cases)

Expeditus was a Roman centurion in Armenia who was martyred on April 19, 303, for converting to Christianity. When Expeditus decided to convert, the Devil took the form of a raven and tried to convince him to hold off until the next day. Expeditus declared, "I'll be a Christian today!" and stomped on the raven. For that reason, Saint Expeditus has long been considered the patron saint of, among others, procrastinators!

Icons of Saint Expeditus picture him with a cross with the word "Hodie" ("Today") in his right hand, while under his right foot, a raven says, "Cras" ("Tomorrow").

In this novena, we ask Saint Expeditus to intercede for us for all the graces that we need in our life, from the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, to the gift of final perseverance (to continue to believe and to hope through the moment of our death).

It is common, though not strictly necessary, to begin each day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus with the Act of Contrition.

 First Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.

Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images

On the first day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for the gift of faith.

Prayers for the First Day

Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the lively faith which was granted you by God, I ask you to awaken the same faith in my heart, that I may also believe wholeheartedly that there is God, but most particularly that I may be saved from sinning against Him.

• Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
• Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
• One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Second Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.

Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images 

On the second day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for the gift of hope for ourselves and for those who have trouble believing.

Prayers for the Second Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the enviable hope given you by God, pray that those of little belief may be penetrated by some rays of hope so that they also receive eternal things; please pray that ardent hope in God be also given me and hold me steadfast in the midst of sufferings.

• Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
• Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
• One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Third Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.

Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images

On the third day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray that we might be freed from worldly cares so that we can love God more fully.

Prayers for the Third Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the endless love which Our Lord planted in your heart, please remove from mine all the shackles tied by worldliness, that without them I may love only God in all eternity.

• Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
• Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
• One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Fourth Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.

Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images 

On the fourth day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for the strength to carry the cross of our passions.

Prayers for the Fourth Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, who knew full well the teaching of the Divine Teacher to carry the cross and follow Him, ask Him for the graces I need that I may fight my own passions.

• Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
• Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
• One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Fifth Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.

Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images 

On the fifth day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for the grace of detachment.

Prayers for the Fifth Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the bountiful graces you received from Heaven that you may conserve all your virtues, grant also that I may get rid of all the feelings that block my way to Heaven.

• Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
• Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
• One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Sixth Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.

Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images 

On the sixth day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for freedom from anger.

Prayers for the Sixth Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the sufferings and humiliations which you received for the love of God, grant me also this grace which is very pleasing to God and free me from anger and hardness of heart which is the stumbling block of my soul.

• Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
• Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
• One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Seventh Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.

Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images

On the seventh day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for the grace to pray well.

Prayers for the Seventh Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, you know that prayer is the golden key that will open the Kingdom of Heaven, teach me to pray in a manner which is desirable to Our Lord and to His Heart, that I may live only for Him, that I may die only for Him, and that I may pray only to Him in all eternity.

• Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
• Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
• One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Eighth Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

 Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.

Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images 

On the eighth day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for purity of heart.

Prayers for the Eighth Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the clean desires that reigned in all your feelings, words, and actions, please let them guide me also in my endless search for the glory of God and the good of my fellow men.

• Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
• Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
• One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Ninth Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

 Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.

Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images

On the ninth day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for the grace of final perseverance.

Prayers for the Ninth Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, who was so much loved by the Queen of Heaven, that to you nothing was denied, ask her, please my advocate, that through the sufferings of her Divine Son and her own sorrows, I may receive this day the grace I ask of you; but above all the grace to die first before I commit any mortal sin.

• Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
• Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
• One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

The Way of the Cross for the Holy Souls

The way of the cross (the way of self-denial), is the way of life, for “If anyone desires to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23.The way of the cross is a way of life itself, and so this call of Jesus to deny ourselves, to take up our crosses, and follow him is his statement to us that in this life there will be suffering. In following him, there will be difficulty and there will be pain, but there is a glory that awaits. It is the cross that can fix your past, your present and your future. The cross of Jesus remains forever the place where the power over sicknesses and diseases can be secured. Everything Jesus died for belongs to you now. The cross of Jesus is more than a sign; it is the proof of your redemption and adoption.

The Way of the Cross, also known as the Stations of the Cross, are a way to pray and meditate on Christ's sacrifice for us. It is divided into fourteen stations from the time He was condemned to his burial. This devotion has been long encouraged by the church, and is especially useful during Lent and Good Friday.

The Stations of the Cross are commonly prayed during the Lenten season. Tradition holds that Christ died on a Friday at 3 p.m. Because of this, many parishes offer Stations of the Cross services at this time on Fridays during Lent. 

In the Station of the Cross, is one way we should be praying for the souls in purgatory out of love for them. But even if we have no dead relatives that we know of, the souls in purgatory are still our spiritual brothers and sisters. We are related by baptism into Christ, and this familial relationship should spur us to act on their behalf. 

“It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.” - 2 Mach. 12:46. 

The Way of the Cross represents the sorrowful journey that Jesus Christ made with the cross to die on Calvary. The church teaches that the Souls in Purgatory undergo a process of purification that must include suffering. By praying and making sacrifices for the Holy Souls, you have the marvelous power and privilege to relieve their pain. In return, their gratitude will bring you countless blessings. May a stream of mercy flow from you to the Holy Souls in Purgatory.


AN ACT OF CONTRITION

 My Jesus! I love you above all things. I hate and detest all my sins, because by them I have offended you. The holy indulgences, the fruits and merits of this devotion I intend to gain for the souls in Purgatory, in particular for those who in life were near and dear to me, and also for those for whom I am, in a special way, obliged to pray. O Mary, my merciful Mother and the Mother of the poor souls in Purgatory accompany me, by your intercession, on this journey. 

BEFORE EVERY STATION: 

V. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. 

R. Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.

THE FIRST STATION

Jesus is Condemned to Death 

O my innocent Jesus, to free me from eternal death, you allowed yourself to be condemned by a pagan judge to the death of the cross. Give me a hatred for sin and the grace to live that I may one day obtain from you a merciful sentence. The poor souls in Purgatory have already been judged. Through your mercy they have escaped hell, yet on account of their sins your justice has condemned them to the fire of Purgatory. O most merciful Jesus have pity on them. Revoke the sentence of their exile and open to them the gates of heaven. 

My Jesus, mercy!

AT THE END OF EVERY STATION: 

Our Father. Hail Mary. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord – and let perpetual light shine upon them. 

THE SECOND STATION 

Jesus is Made to Bear His Cross

O holy cross, You are the tree of life, the gate of heaven, our salvation, and our only hope. Be my salvation at the hour of death. O Jesus, be mindful of Your servants who have departed this life with this sign of faith. Free them by the victorious power of Your cross, by which You have conquered death. Lead them into eternal life and happiness.

THE THIRD STATION 

Jesus Falls for the First Time Under His Cross 

Through your weakness under the cross and the merits of this first fall, grant me perseverance in my good resolutions that I may always walk faithfully in your holy ways. The souls in Purgatory now suffer because they neglected and abused your graces in this life. They now realize that no sin-stained soul can see God. Have mercy, therefore, on them and cleanse them from all sin. Through the intercession of your sorrowful Mother, deliver them from Purgatory. 

THE FOURTH STATION 

Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother

O Heart of Mary! O Heart of Jesus! I offer my life for my sins. May the sweet names of Jesus and Mary be on my lips and in my heart at the hour of my death. O sweetest Heart of Jesus, I implore that I may love You more and more. Sweet Heart of Mary, be our salvation. Mother most sorrowful, merciful Queen of the Holy Souls, into your hands I place my few merits and implore you to unite them with the infinite merits of your Son. Offer them to the eternal Father for those souls who are bound to me by ties of relationship

THE FIFTH STATION 

The Cyrenian Helps Jesus to Carry His Cross

O my Jesus, I accept the cross. I embrace it. Let me help You to carry Your cross, by being patient in all trials that may assail me. How many souls in Purgatory now regret their past impatience! But You, O Lord, be generous with them and remit all that still remains to be expiated.

 

THE SIXTH STATION 

Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus 

O Lord, Jesus Christ, You who have left on Veronica’s veil the image of your bloodstained countenance, grant that the memory of Your bitter passion and death may ever remain impressed on my soul. Have pity on the poor souls, made to your image and likeness and redeemed by Your Most Precious Blood. Free them from all sin that they may enter heaven, to see You face-to-face forever and ever.

THE SEVENTH STATION 

Jesus Falls the Second Time 

My sins have made Your cross heavy, O Jesus. I detest them and firmly propose to amend my life. Never permit me to separate myself from You again. Have mercy, O Jesus, on those souls who now suffer the pains of Purgatory for mortal sins committed in this life. O clement Heart of Jesus, have compassion on them.

THE EIGHTH STATION 

Jesus Comforts the Women of Jerusalem

Most compassionate Heart of Jesus! My Jesus, who said to the holy women: “Do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children,” make me weep for the ingratitude that I have returned for Your love. I wish to make amends in this life for my sins, that I may obtain pardon for them in the next. Grant me a tender love for the souls in Purgatory, especially for the souls of my relatives. For the future, I promise to do what I have neglected through my forgetfulness and hardness of heart.

 

THE NINTH STATION 

Jesus Falls the Third Time 

Through this most painful fall, O Jesus, I ask You to deliver me from an unhappy death, which would plunge me into hell. From the power of the enemy deliver my immortal soul, and make me live and die in Your grace. Look with mercy upon the poor souls doing penance in Purgatory. With tears and prayers they seek Your help and mercy. Hear their prayers and lead them out of that place of purification into the blessed peace of heaven, there to enjoy forever the splendor of Your glory.

THE TENTH STATION 

Jesus is Stripped of His Garments

My most blessed Redeemer, stripped of Your garments for love of me, grant me holy modesty and purity. Deliver me from all dangerous inclinations to created thing. Make me die to everything of this world, that at death separation from all earthly things may be easy. Of what benefit now are wealth and the pleasures of this world to the souls in Purgatory? Their bodies they had to leave to decay and dust of death, and their wealth to heirs. Only their works have followed them: the good to be rewarded, and the evil to be punished. O Lord, put an end to their suffering. Do not keep them any longer from the inheritance of the saints, but pardon them and admit them into the realm of eternal bliss and happiness.

THE ELEVENTH STATION 

Jesus is Nailed to the Cross 

My most innocent Jesus, nailed to the cross for my sins, I beseech You, through the merits of Your horrible suffering, to come to my aid in my last sickness and agony. Grant me the grace to receive in time Your most holy Sacraments. Come to me then, O Most Holy Viaticum, and pour into my soul the patience of Your Most Sacred Heart! And you, O Mary my Mother, console me in that hour and make sweet my sufferings, through the sorrow that pierced your heart at the crucifixion. Lamb of God, have mercy on the souls in Purgatory, whose sufferings are greater than the sick and dying. Spare them this agony, and through the merits of Your passion admit them into eternal dwellings.

THE TWELFTH STATION 

Jesus Dies On the Cross 

Through your three hours’ agony on the cross, grant me, O Jesus, a happy death. Take me when I am best prepared. In that hour fill my soul with holy sentiments of faith, hope and charity. Grant me true and perfect contrition for my sins and the grace to accept with Christian resignation my death with all its pains and sufferings. May I leave this world invoking your most Holy Name. 

Mary Mother of Sorrows, refuge of the dying, be near me in my last agony. Remember, O most loving Jesus, the poor souls with that love with which you did give comfort to the good thief: “This day you shall be with me in Paradise.” Call these souls into the kingdom of your glory, that they may praise you together with all the angels and saints forever and ever. 

THE THIRTEENTH STATION 

Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross 

O Jesus, You whose soul descended to the dead to announce peace to the just of the Old Testament, descend now among the poor souls who yearn for You. Free them from the chains of their slavery, and grant them the liberty of true children of God! O Mary, my Mother, may I, like Jesus, be placed in your arms at my departure from this world. Be with me at the tribunal of the Divine Judge, that through your intercession, I may obtain a favorable judgment. Sweet Heart of Mary be my salvation!

THE FOURTEENTH STATION 

Jesus is Laid in the Tomb 

O Jesus, through the merits of Your bitter passion and death, and through Your glorious Resurrection, I beseech You to have compassion on the poor souls, and grant them a happy and glorious admission into heaven. Let them enter into that peace so long desired. Let them contemplate the splendor of the Beatific Vision. Let them bless eternally Your mercy. Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation, that I may not be condemned to that place of agony, when my body will be in the cold earth. Let my soul flee the fires of Purgatory. Most loving Mother, on that day save your child. Bring me quick relief and through your merits deliver me from the flames, that I may thank you in heaven and, with you and all the saints, adore and love Jesus, your beloved Son, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, true God, forever and ever. Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER 

My crucified Redeemer, I offer you this devout exercise, which by your grace, I have just finished. Grant that the precious fruits of your death on the cross be not lost either for me or for the souls in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, place my petitions in the Heart of your beloved Son, so that I may be admitted into the kingdom of grace, there together with my dear ones, both living and dead, to be blessed eternally. O Gentlest Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on them. Be not severe in your judgments, but let some drops of your Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames, and do you O merciful Savior, send your angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on them.