Act of Contrition
Actus Contritionis
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.
In Latin
Deus meus, ex toto corde pǽnitet me ómnium meórum peccatórum, eáque detéstor, quia peccándo, non solum pœnas a te iuste statútas proméritus sum, sed præsértim quia offéndi te, summum bonum, ac dignum qui super ómnia diligáris. Ídeo fírmiter propóno, adiuvánte grátia tua, de cétero me non peccatúrum, peccandíque occasiónes próximas fugitúrum. Amen.
When this prayer is prayed
In the confessional, after the priest has heard you; every night before sleep; and immediately in any danger of death. Perfect contrition — sorrow for having wounded God rather than fear of punishment — forgives even before confession, provided you intend to confess.