The sacrament by which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven through the contrition, confession, and absolution given by Christ through a priest.
The Sacrament of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness
Reconciliation is a profound encounter with the merciful love of the Father, who runs to embrace us when we turn back to him. Through confessing our sins through a priest and receiving absolution, we are restored to a state of grace and reconciled not only with God but also with the entire Church community. This sacrament heals the wounds caused by sin, liberates us from the bondage of evil, and strengthens us to resist future temptation. It offers a fresh start, inviting us to grow in humility and trust in God’s boundless mercy.
Scripture: “If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld” (John 20:23)
Catechism Reference: CCC 1423-1424: …It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a “confession”; acknowledgment and praise; of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man. It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest’s sacramental absolution God grants the penitent “pardon and peace.” It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: “Be reconciled to God.” He who lives by God’s merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord’s call: “Go; first be reconciled to your brother.