THE CONFESSION OF THE CRUSADER:

I.-Before Confession He says a short prayer to obtain the grace of knowing his sins, of being sorry for them and of confessing them rightly.

Jesus, loved by pure hearts and the Friend of pure hearts,-I, your Crusader,-wish very much to be entirely pure-so that I may be your well-beloved friend-and be able to make you loved.-I believe that, if I-make frequent and good confessions,-you will purify my heart. -Help me to make a good confession,-to see everything which stains my soul to be sorry for all, out of love,-to have the courage to confess everything to the priest who holds your place-and to be prepared to do everything necessary to amend my life.

Mary, my Blessed Mother, good St. Joseph, my Guardian Angel and my holy Patron, obtain for me the grace to make a good confession.

 

II.-Examination of Conscience Next, he tries to remember his faults, by recalling the houses in which he has been, the companions with whom he has spoken and played,

He asks himself first: “How long is it since my last confession? Was it a good confession? Hare I concealed any grievous sin? Did I have contrition and a firm purpose of amendment? Have I said my penance?"

Then he examines himself on the Commandments of God and of the Church, and on the seven capital sins.   

To be continued…