Traditional Catholic prayer
The Confiteor
Acknowledging sin, taking responsibility, and asking for intercession.
Source: With God: A Book of Prayers and Reflections (1911), Rev. F. X. Lasance, page 164.
I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary, ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, to all the saints, and to you, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.
Therefore, I beseech the blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, and you, Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
About this prayer
Prayer source
With God: A Book of Prayers and Reflections (1911), Rev. F. X. Lasance, page 164.
View the printed prayer page.About our prayer sources- What it is
- The Confiteor is a prayer acknowledging sins in thought, word, and deed and asking the saints to intercede for us. This page preserves the older form addressed to a priest, including “and to you, Father.”
- Prayer intention
- Acknowledging sin, taking responsibility, and asking for intercession.
- When to pray
- Use it to understand the prayer in the traditional Mass. For personal preparation for Confession, follow the linked guide and your priest’s directions.
- Languages
- English and Latin
- Latin prayer source
- With God: A Book of Prayers and Reflections (1911), Rev. F. X. Lasance, page 164. View the Latin source.
- English prayer source
- With God: A Book of Prayers and Reflections (1911), Rev. F. X. Lasance, page 164. View the historical source. View the printed prayer page. Novena Regina provides the explanations above. The prayer text follows the source named here.
Traditional Catholic prayer
The Confiteor
Source: With God: A Book of Prayers and Reflections (1911), Rev. F. X. Lasance, page 164.
I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary, ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, to all the saints, and to you, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.
Therefore, I beseech the blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, and you, Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
Questions about this prayer
These explanations are separate from the historical prayer text above.
Which form of the Confiteor is on this page?
This is the older form beginning “I confess to Almighty God.” It names Our Lady, St. Michael, St. John the Baptist, Saints Peter and Paul, and all the saints, and addresses a priest with “and to you, Father.” The English and Latin texts retain this form.
Read the Confiteor in the 1962 MissalIs the Confiteor the same as the Act of Contrition?
No. The Confiteor acknowledges sins and asks for intercession. The Act of Contrition expresses sorrow for offending God and a resolve to amend one’s life. They are distinct prayers; follow your priest’s directions when preparing for Confession.
Read the Act of Contrition for ConfessionUnderstanding the word Confiteor
These explanations are separate from the historical prayer text.
What does Confiteor mean?
Confiteor means “I confess.” It is the opening word of this prayer in Latin. Switch between English and Latin above to follow its acknowledgement of sin and request for the saints’ intercession.