Thanksgiving prayer after Absolution

Coming out of confession, before fulfilling the penance imposed by the confessor, the reconciled soul addresses to God her canticle of gratitude. The sacrament of Penance is a true resurrection: the sinner, before dead, lives anew. The Catechism of the Catholic Church n. 1468 teaches that the effect of the sacrament is «to restore us to God’s grace and to unite us to him in intimate friendship». This prayer helps to savour the gift received.

Lord Jesus Christ, physician of souls, who by the hands of your priest have washed me from sin with your precious Blood and have restored me to the grace of my Baptism: I bless you and I thank you without end for this sacrament of your mercy.

Receive now, O Father, this my renewed soul as your Church receives the prodigal children when they return. Grant me the joy of pardon, the peace of the reconciled conscience, and the courage to fulfil the penance that has been indicated to me as the sign of my purpose.

Grant me, Lord, three particular graces as I leave this confession: to flee the proximate occasions of the sins I have confessed; to watch over my heart, especially in the points where I am most fragile; and to persevere on the way of your grace until the next confession, without turning back.

Most Holy Virgin Mary, refuge of sinners, and my Guardian Angel, sustain my purpose. Saint Joseph, patron of a good death, obtain for me final perseverance. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.