The Role of Conscience in the Sacrament of Penance

Abstract

The article highlights the role of conscience in the preparation for and celebration of the Sacrament of Penance. In today’s world, there is a notable devaluation of both conscience as a unique human moral faculty of judgement and the Sacrament of Penance. However, the Sacrament of Penance, established by Christ, enables a person to recover the relationship with God that was broken by sin and to renew the state of grace. Reconciliation requires sincere repentance and conversion of heart. Therefore, for repentance to be truly effective, it is essential that the evil committed by the person be perceived, and the conscience of the person plays a major role in this perception. Conscience is very important because it is the only way we can have a feeling of sin. Only a sensitive and just conscience not only encourages us to avoid evil, but also points out our sins and calls us to repentance and confession. A thorough examination of conscience also awakens thankfulness to God, which strengthens the believer’s desire to avoid sin.