[Arthur McGowan]

Billions of people have known the peace that comes to a Catholic when these words are spoken:

Penitent:

O, my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee.
I detest my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell.
But most of all, because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good, and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

Priest:

God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son, has sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins.
Through the ministry of the Church, may God give you pardon and peace. And I absolve you from your sins, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

[ealgeone]

Arthur....why the insistence on referring to yourself as a catholic and not a Christian?

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“Billions” have been taught falsely - by priests - that they must confess to a priest, and taught falsely that “penance” is required, and falsely believe that a priest can absolve their sins.

And all this is put forth as a poor substitute for direct access to God and His forgiveness.

[Elsie]

That prayer won't be effective without Mary to pass it on.

Why is she disrespected so?