In This Sacrament

Photo: Wikipedia Commons, Giuseppe Molteni, Confession, 1838 / US-PD

Drowning in sorrow

swept away in the tide of sin;

the unclean oblation,

the greatest evil within.

With grief of the soul

and detestation;

a contrite heart

renders towards reconciliation.

In perfect love

or with a torrent of fear

hope for pardon

springs the infusion of grace

with a disposition sincere.

With the words of Absolution

by the Power of the Keys

the Breath of the Spirit

looses the chains that bind

and sets the prisoner free.

The Cup of Mercy

with sanctification outpoured

mends the broken body;

for in this Sacrament

union with God is restored.