Confession of Sin

Overview

In Latin the ‘Confiteor’ means ‘I confess’.

Today this prayer is used in the Roman rite as an optional part of the Introductory Rites at Mass (Penitential Act. a).

The 'striking of the breast' while saying “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault” is a sacramental action demonstrated during the Confiteor.

This prescribed “striking” is a symbolic tapping of the chest with a clenched fist over one’s heart, indicating remorse. Sacramental words are therefore complemented by meaningful sacramental actions.

Confession of Sin (The Confiteor)

All: I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters,

that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words,

in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,

(striking the breast three times as they go on)

All: through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault;

therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints,

and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

Priest: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life.

All: Amen.

Priest: Lord have mercy. All: Lord have mercy.

Priest: Christ have mercy. All: Christ have mercy.

Priest: Lord have mercy. All: Lord have mercy.