The Acts

The purpose of the Acts of Faith, Hope and Love is to testify that we possess these three great " theological virtues "; and the Act of Contrition puts into words the sorrow for sin which is necessary for forgiveness.

For the Acts a different wording is to be found in nearly every manual of prayers, and the Church has not declared that any one form must be used. The version which is taught in our later catechisms is clear and concise.

The Act of Faith declares our firm belief in one God and three Divine persons; in the Incarnation of our Lord, and the redemption accomplished by Him; and in all the other truths that God's Church teaches.

The Act of Hope expresses our trust in God's mercy and our reliance on the merits of our Blessed Redeemer.

The Act of Love manifests our love of God for His own sake, because he is the Supreme Good, and our love of our neighbor for the sake of God; for our Lord has declared that the love of God is "the first and greatest commandment," and that "the second is like unto this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

The Act of Contrition is the declaration in words of that sorrow for sin which is absolutely required for its forgiveness. This also can be found in various forms, and the one now generally taught is perhaps better than some of the older versions, as it expresses clearly the motives of contrition and is fairly simple in wording.

An Act of Faith.

O my God, I firmly believe all that Thou have revealed, and which the holy Catholic Church proposes to me to be believed, because Thou art truth itself, which can neither deceive nor be deceived. In this faith I desire to live and die.

An Act of Hope.

O my God, relying on Thy gracious promises, hope, by the merits of Jesus Christ, for the pardon of my sins, grace to serve Thee faithfully in this life by doing the good works which thou have commanded, and eternal happiness in the world to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

An Act of Love.

O MY God, I love thee with my whole heart, and above all things, because Thou art infinitely good in thyself and infinitely worthy to be loved; and for the love of Thee I love my neighbor as myself.

An Act of Contrition.

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, 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 Thee, my God, Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

Ask the Prayers of the Saints.

Holy Virgin, Mother of God, my Mother and Patroness, I place myself under thy protection, I throw myself with confidence into the arms of thy compassion. Be to me, O Mother of mercy, my refuge in distress, my consolation under suffering, my advocate with thy adorable Son, now and at the hour of my death.

Angel of Heaven, my faithful and loving guide, obtain for me grace to be obedient to thy holy inspirations, and so to direct my steps that I may not in any thing depart from the will and commandments of my God.

O great Saints,whose name bear, protect me, pray for me, that like you I may serve God faithfully on earth, and glorify Him eternally with you in heaven. Amen.

[One should call on additional Saints who are special to the person, or a patron Saint of the parish, or the saint associated with your career or area of personal interest.]

Act of Resignation to the Will of God.

May the most just, most high, and most amiable Will of God be done, praised, and eternally exalted in all things. Amen.

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