“A Special Act of Sorrow” is a prayer of contrition that acknowledges the full breadth of human sinfulness across all stages and aspects of life. This profound act of repentance expresses deep sorrow for offending God’s tender heart, while seeking forgiveness and grace for spiritual transformation through Christ’s Passion. The prayer serves as a complete examination of conscience and heartfelt plea for mercy, making it particularly valuable for preparation for confession or personal devotional practice.
A Special Act of Sorrow
Video — A Special Act of Sorrow
Forgive me my sins, O Lord, forgive me my sins;
the sins of my youth, the sins of my age,
the sins of my soul, the sins of my body;
my idle sins, my serious voluntary sins,
the sins I know, the sins I have concealed so long,
and which are now hidden from my memory.
I am truly sorry for every sin, mortal and venial,
for all the sins of my childhood up to the present hour.
I know my sins have wounded Thy tender Heart, O my Savior,
let me be freed from the bonds of evil
through the most bitter Passion of my Redeemer.
O my Jesus, forget and forgive what I have been,
and grant me grace to be what I ought to be.
Amen.