know our sins, nor be sorry for them, nor confess them well, without God’s grace. Hence prayer, which is the great key to divine grace, is the best part of our preparation for confession.
With regard to persons who approach the Sacraments but seldom, viz., at Christmas and Easter only, they ought to begin their preparation some days beforehand; and during these days they should make a serious effort to correct every bad habit, and should, from time to time, with great fervour, beg of God the grace to make a good confession and a worthy communion. Let this grace be asked in the name of Jesus Christ, and through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin, of our Guardian Angel, of St. Joseph, and of all the saints and angels of heaven.
As to pious people who frequent the Sacraments, and who seldom or never fall into a grievous sin, it is very desirable, when they go to confession, that, after confessing any sins committed since last .absolution, they should, at least in a general way, accuse themselves of all their past sins. “No man,” says St. Augustine, “ should cease to bewail his sins till his last breath.” How instructive is the example of Holy David. Although he knew his gross crimes were pardoned, he still continues to cry out: “ Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy. Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and my sin is always before me.” (Psalm 1.)
BEFORE CONFESSION. WHAT MUST BE DONE.
First, you must pray fervently for grace to make a good confession, asking that grace again through the merits of Jesus Christ, and through the intercession of his blessed Mother and of all the angels and
