December 9, 2009

• Question 195 - What is the difference between perfect and imperfect contrition?

  Dear Robert, I know that if someone doesn't get to confession perfect contrition gets forgiveness for all types of sins mortal or venial. But what about imperfect contrition? Does it have the same effect and if not what effect does it have?

  William

   

  Dear William: “Perfect” and “Imperfect” are technical terms used by the Church.

   

  The difference between perfect and imperfect contrition is: the former is contrition motivated out of love for God and so the man wishes to reform his ways because he loves the offended, whereas the latter is contrition which is motivated by fear of punishment, of God, of Hell. Both suffice for a valid confession, as the older version of the Act of Contrition states: "...I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of Hell (imperfect), but most of all they offend thee, My God (perfect), who art all good and deserving of all my love..." Furthermore, the CCC defines them in this way:

   

  1452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called "perfect" (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.

   

  1453 The contrition called "imperfect" (or "attrition") is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin's ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.

   

  1492 Repentance (also called contrition) must be inspired by motives that arise from faith. If repentance arises from love of charity for God, it is called "perfect" contrition; if it is founded on other motives, it is called "imperfect."

   

  Perfect contrition remits mortal and venial sins, if he has a firm resolution to go to confession ASAP. So a person in this state, may receive Holy Communion. However, the man in a state of imperfect contrition may not receive Holy Communion, since it only disposes the man to seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

   

  Robert

   

  PS: My thanks to Laurence Gonzaga of the BTF staff for doing the research on this question.

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