Catholic.id

Confession & MercyIntermediate

If there is a "baptism of desire," is there a "reconciliation of desire"?

Confession & Mercy

The short answer

In a sense, yes: perfect contrition. Sorrow for sin arising from love of God above all obtains forgiveness even of mortal sins, provided it includes the firm resolve to go to confession as soon as possible.

In a sense the Church does recognize a "reconciliation of desire": perfect contrition.

The Catechism defines contrition as sorrow of soul and detestation of the sin committed, with the resolution not to sin again (CCC 1451). To forgive mortal sins it must spring from love of God. When it arises from love of God above all else it is called "perfect" contrition; it remits venial sins and also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to go to sacramental confession as soon as possible (CCC 1452).