Keyword

Penitent

A repentant sinner (also known as a confessant) accuses himself of his sins to an ordained priest (known as confessor.) The priest may then offer advice and imposes a particular penance to be performed. The penitent then prays an Act of Contrition, the priest administers absolution, thus formally forgiving the penitent of his sins, and finally sends him out with words of dismissal.