Confiteor Deo (I Confess)

 CONFITEOR DEO

NARRARE

          At Catholic Mass, when the English vernacular language is used, the priest recites the Penitential Act in order to forgive all our venial sins in order to be in a complete state of grace. A more formal explanation noted in the 1962 Latin Roman Missal is, "It is an acknowledgement of his guilt before God and that of all others assisting a the divine Sacrifice." This is important to be aware of, because an individual must contemplate, and bring to mind all venial sin they committed throughout the entire day, or since their last time at Mass. This occurs a few minutes after the priest steps up on the altar. 

          At the Tridentine Mass, I completely missed the Public Confession (Penitential Act), because I never knew when the prayer exactly began. I was oblivious to this, because of my insufficient knowledge of ecclesiastical Latin. This led me to attend many masses without bringing to mind the contrite, and humble heart I must possess. At least, not to its fullest. One does not need to be an expert in Latin, all they need to learn is the phrase, and its translation to follow along. 

          The Public Confession begins when the priest states, "Confiteor Deo," which translates to "I confess to almighty God." In addition, the etymological explanation of this phrase is outlined to educate us on the meaning of this important phrase. 

Etymology 

• "Confiteor Deo" is a Latin phrase that translates to "I confess to God."

• "Confiteor" comes from the Latin verb "confiteri," which means "to confess" or "to acknowledge." It is formed from the
• Prefix "con-" (together) and the verb "fateri" (to confess).

• "Deo" means "to God" or "of God."

 

This concise delineation helps us understand the words our priest pronounces. At this moment in the Latin Mass, he is asking God, and asking us to plead to God for the forgiveness of our sins. Now, this moment will be even more beautiful. With Latin being a ancient language; along with the beauty, and reverence inside the Church. We may ask God in the most humble way to forgive us for our sinful actions. We will forever recognize the phrase, "Confiteor Deo."

CONFITEOR DEO