THE CONFESSION OF THE CRUSADER: (continued from last issue)

 

Commandments of the Church:

Fast, abstinence.-Have I eaten meat on the days forbidden?

Capital Sins

Have I been proud, envious, greedy, slothful, angry?

If you do not know how to accuse yourself of a sin, say to the priest: "I have committed a sin, which I do not know how to tell." The priest will help you. If you do not understand something he asks you, say: “I do not understand you, Father”, and he will explain.

 

III Contrition:

The Crusader will then excite himself to contrition and a firm purpose of amendment.

He will look at Our Lord, nailed to the Cross, His hands covered with blood and pierced with large nails, His body all torn, covered with wounds and blood, His Head crowned with thorns and he will say:

O good Jesus, behold how Thou love me! Thou suffer and die to expiate my sins, and in order that I may never sin again. And yet I continue to commit these sins which cause you to suffer so much. Thou die, also to save poor sinners: and I, Thy Crusader, instead of helping Thee by my sacrifices, as I have promised, allow souls to go to hell souls which Thou love so much.

Forgive me, O Jesus, I will be courageous in the future, I will console Thee, and I will gain for Thee many souls who will love Thee with me for all eternity.

 

IV During and after Confession:

In the confessional the Crusader sees Our Lord Himself in the person of the priest; he confesses all his sins with humility and sincerity, listens attentively to the priest's instruction and answers his questions. After the absolution, he returns very happy to his place, performs his penance at once, thanks the good Jesus for having forgiven him and for the graces which He has bestowed on him, and promises Him anew to live the life of a good Crusader.

To be continued…