Penance in the Catholic Church

Uncommon card · No. 168646

The sacrament of penance (also commonly called the sacrament of reconciliation or confession) is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church (known in Eastern Christianity as sacred mysteries). Through this sacrament, the faithful are absolved of sins committed after baptism and reconciled with the Christian community. During reconciliation, mortal sins must be confessed for the sacrament to be valid and, while not strictly required, venial sins may also be confessed for devotional reasons. According to the Church’s dogma and constant practice, only ordained priests may grant absolution. The Council of Trent also taught that absolution in the sacrament of penance is not merely a declaration that sins are forgiven, but is a judicial act exercised by a priest with proper authority over the penitent.

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