9 Chief Benefits of Confession

Pope Pius XII said that through the regular reception of the Sacrament of Confession, “genuine self-knowledge is increased, Christian humility grows, bad habits are corrected, spiritual neglect and tepidity are resisted, the conscience is purified, the will strengthened, a salutary self-control is attained, and grace is increased in virtue of the Sacrament itself.” (Mystici Corporis Christi, 88).

These chief benefits, summarised below, are detailed here.

1. Self-knowledge is increased.

2. Christian humility grows.

3. Bad habits are corrected.

4. Spiritual neglect is resisted.

5. Spiritual tepidity is resisted.

6. Conscience is purified.

7. The will is strengthened.

8. A salutary self-control is achieved.

9. Grace is increased in virtue of the sacrament itself.

Here is more information about the Sacrament of Confession, including links to an examination of conscience.

More information, including links to an examination of conscience, can be found here.

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‘As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them,
‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ 

(John 20: 21-23)

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