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

PRAYERS FOR THE WEDNESDAY DEVOTION TO SAINT JOSEPH

 

WEDNESDAY DEVOTION

Memorare to St. Joseph

Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection. Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH, TERROR OF DEMONS

Saint Joseph, Terror of Demons, cast thy solemn gaze upon the devil and all his minions, and protect us with thy mighty staff. Thou fled through the night to avoid the devil’s wicked designs; now with the power of God, smite the demons as they flee from thee! Grant special protection, we pray, for children, fathers, mothers, families, and the dying. By God’s grace, no demon dares approach while thou art near, so we beg of thee, Saint Joseph, always be near to us!

Amen.

Saint Joseph, terror of demons, pray for us.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO ST JOSEPH

O dearest Saint Joseph,

I consecrate myself to your honour

and give myself to you,

that you may always be my father,

my protector and my guide

in the way of salvation.

Obtain for me a greater purity of heart

and fervent love of the interior life.

After your example may I do all my actions

for the greater glory of God,

in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus

and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

O Blessed Saint Joseph,

pray for me,

that I may share in the peace

and joy of your holy death.

Amen.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH

O Glorious St. Joseph, thou who has power to render possible even things which are considered impossible, come to our aid in our present trouble and distress. Take this important and difficult affair under thy particular protection, that it may end happily (mention your request).

O dear St. Joseph, all our confidence is in thee. Let it not be said that we would invoke thee in vain; and since thou are so powerful with Jesus and Mary, show that thy goodness equals thy power.

Amen.

St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for us.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH, TERROR OF DEMONS WHOM WE CELEBRATE EACH WEDNESDAY

To thee, O blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our affliction, and having implored the help of thy thrice holy Spouse, we now, with hearts filled with confidence, earnestly beg thee also to take us under thy protection. By that charity wherewith thou wert united to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by that fatherly love with which thou didst cherish the Child Jesus, we beseech thee and we humbly pray that thou wilt look down with gracious eye upon that inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by His blood, and wilt succor us in our need by thy power and strength.

Defend, O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen off-spring of Jesus Christ. Keep from us, O most loving Father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from on high, most valiant defender, in this conflict with the powers of darkness. And even as of old thou didst rescue the Child Jesus from the peril of His life, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Shield us ever under thy patronage, that, following thine example and strengthened by thy help, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and attain to everlasting bliss in Heaven.

Amen.

LITANY TO SAINT JOSEPH

A Wednesday Devotion

Lord, have mercy on us

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Jesus, hear us, Jesus, graciously hear us.

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the World, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

Renowned offspring of David, pray for us.

Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.

Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.

Chaste guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.

Foster father of the Son of God, pray for us.

Diligent protector of Christ, pray for us.

Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.

Joseph most just, pray for us.

Joseph most chaste, pray for us.

Joseph most prudent, pray for us.

Joseph most strong, pray for us.

Joseph most obedient, pray for us.

Joseph most faithful, pray for us.

Mirror of patience, pray for us.

Lover of poverty, pray for us.

Model of artisans, pray for us.

Glory of home life, pray for us.

Guardian of virgins, pray for us.

Pillar of families, pray for us.

Solace of the wretched, pray for us.

Hope of the sick, pray for us.

Patron of the dying, pray for us.

Terror of demons, pray for us.

Protector of Holy Church, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Jesus.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Jesus.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Jesus.

He made him the lord of his household And prince over all his possessions.

Let us pray:

O God, in your ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH FOR A HAPPY DEATH

O Glorious Saint Joseph, behold I choose thee today for my special

patron in life and at the hour of my death. Preserve and increase

in me the spirit of prayer and fervor in the service of God.

Remove far from me every kind of sin; obtain for me that my

death may not come upon me unawares, but that I may have

time to confess my sins sacramentally and to bewail them

with a most perfect understanding and a most sincere and

perfect contrition, in order that I may breathe forth my soul

into the hands of Jesus and Mary.

Amen.