Benefits of Partaking Frequently of the Sacrament of Penance
(Regardless of whether venial and/or mortal sins are confessed)
– Conscience is purified.
– Grace is increased.
– Will is strengthened.
– Self-knowledge is increased.
– More rapid growth in virtue
takes place.
– Humility grows.
– Bad habits are assisted in being overcome.
– A spirit of mediocrity or lukewarmness is assisted in being overcome.
– Greater self-control is achieved in daily living.
Information on the Sacred Chrisms
– S.C. – Sacrum Chrismatorum, Oil and chrism used to anoint those who are receiving the Sacrament of Baptism (Psalm 23:5).
– O.C. – Oleum Chrismatorum, Oil and chrism mixture used for anointing at Ordinations (Psalm 110:4).
– O.I. – Oleum Infirmorum, Oil used to anoint those receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (James 5:14-15).
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Pope Pius XII defended the practice of frequent Confession – even of venial sins. “By it,” he said, “self-knowledge is increased, Christian humility grows, bad habits are corrected, spiritual neglect and tepidity are resisted, the conscience is purified, the will is strengthened, a salutary selfcontrol is attained, and grace is increased in virtue of the Sacrament itself.” (Mystici Corporis Christi, 88 [1943]). Also, in promulgating the new rite of the Sacrament of Penance following the Second Vatican Council, Blessed Pope Paul VI stressed the “great value” of “frequent and reverent recourse to this Sacrament (of Confession) even when only venial sins are in question.” This practice “is a constant effort to bring to perfection the race of our Baptism.” (December 2, 1973).