Meaning of confession (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Confession:

Confession is the action and effect of admitting or declaring something that is of one's own knowledge, whether voluntarily or forced. It comes from the Latin conffessio , a term made up of the prefix con , which means 'everything', the word fiteri , which means 'to admit', and the suffix sion , which means action and effect.

An example of the general meaning of confession can be the following: "The confession of the accused was what finally allowed the case to be closed."

The word confession is also used to refer to the faith professed by a certain person or community. In other words, a "confession of faith". For example, "Javier follows the Muslim confession."

Another example would be: "Valentina has made her confession of faith this Sunday in church." It means that it has declared to believe in the dogmas and principles that make it worthy of belonging to a certain religion.

Sacrament of confession or reconciliation

In the context of the Catholic religion, the word confession refers to one of the seven sacraments of the Church. The sacrament of confession is also called reconciliation.

This sacrament consists of a ritual in which the person declares his sins to a priest, who is authorized and empowered to give them absolution, after assigning a penance.

From the moment the person is acquitted, he is considered to be in a "state of grace". Therefore, confession or reconciliation is recommended to be able to receive communion.

However, although the act of communion can be practiced daily if the person wishes, it is not necessary to confess whenever you intend to do so. It is enough to confess every time the person feels the need.

See also:

• Sin, sacrament.

Elements of confession or reconciliation

Among the elements or steps for a good confession are the following:

• Before confession:
  1. Previously do an examination of conscience. Make an act of contrition (repent, feel pain for having sinned). Have a purpose of amendment.
  In confession:
  1. Confess sins. Receive penance assigned by the priest and listen to his advice. Receive absolution from the priest.
  After confession:
  1. Do penance, try not to sin again.

Confessional

Normally, the Catholic confession is made in private, in a kind of room called a confessional. Formerly, these confessionals had a kneeler in which the penitent knelt. Furthermore, they were separated by a kind of net or mesh to guarantee the anonymity of the confession.

Currently, the Church has judged the old design of confessionals to be impersonal, so it has licensed parishes that wish to adapt them. Thus, in many current confessionals a penitent seat has been added and the separator has been removed.