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Fr. Tom Ryan
Ecumenical and interfaith
Neela Kale
Culture, ethics and Catholic basics
Mike Hayes
General
Ann Naffziger, M.A., M.Div.
Scripture
Charles C. Camosy, PhD
Medical ethics
Caitlin Kennell Kim
Mary
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Our readers asked:

What is the prayer of absolution?

Mike Hayes Answers:

This is the prayer that is offered by the priest during confession also known as the sacrament of reconciliation or penance.

After one confesses their sins, the priest might give some advice to them and then give them a penance–an act of making amends, usually a few prayers offered to God. They then ask them to say the formal prayer the act of contrition. When that is done they then offer the prayer of absolution which formally forgives their sins ritualistically.

Here are the words, some of the most beautiful in all of Catholic tradition:

God the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of your son, you have reconciled the world to yourself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. Through the ministry of the church, may God grant you pardon and peace. And I absolve you of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

For more on confession see our two part how-to go to confession video.

PART ONE
PART TWO

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The Author : Mike Hayes
Mike Hayes is the senior editor for the Googling God section at BustedHalo.com.
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  • Debbie Polaski

    There is no forgiveness of sins outside of the belief and faith of Christ alone. He is the one who paid the price in full with His life’s blood. How can the church mislead its people with such a falsehood. God is a God of truth and His words speak quite clearly that there is no pardon of sin except through His son our Savior Jesus Christ.

  • I love the wisdom of the church. The prayer of absolution is convincing, and makes impact to the penitent. Rev. Lambert Nlemadim, C.S.Sp.

    Rev. Lambert Nlemadim, C.S.Sp. I come from Nigeria.

  • Father Hoisington

    The first part of the Prayer of Absolution is not correct: it is not addressed to God the Father, but speaks of Him, beginning: “God the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son, has reconciled the world to Himself, and….”
    Thanks for your online ministry.
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