Q: If we confess, will our mortal sin be forgiven? I have been addicted to pornography and masturbation for many years and only today I have realized the severity of the situation in relation to Christianity! I have wanted to stop for a while, and finding this out makes me want to try that much harder to. So if I go to confession - will I be forgiven for the many years of sin? If not, are there any other methods to cleanse me?
- C

A:  Dear C,

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is the most powerful and efficacious means given humanity by our Lord Jesus Christ by which we can be cleansed of all sins, no matter how serious.

First of all, it is important to put into perspective that the entire sum total of the sins of mankind throughout human history are but an insignificant drop in the bucket when compared to the infinite Mercy of God.

No human being is capable of committing a sin that is so heinous, so evil or so serious that it is beyond God's mercy.  The devil, however, would like to convince you otherwise, but recognize this and pay him no attention.

According to the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (no. 201) -

"The Church has the mission and power to forgive sins because Christ Himself has conferred it upon her: 'Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive the sins of any they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any they are retained.'" (John 20:22-23)

Remember, while making your confession, know that you are in the presence of Christ, so make your confession to Him in that context.  The priest, having been empowered by God, sits "In Persona Christi" (in the Person of Christ) and he thus exercises Christ's power to forgive your sins.

Prepare yourself well, tell the priest all of your sins, remembering them to the best of your ability.

But also know that if, during your confession, you honestly and sincerely forget to mention a specific sin, even if it be mortal, you are still forgiven all of your sins.  Should this happen, it is a good idea to mention the forgotten sin during your next confession.

So, to answer your question - Yes, by making a full and sincere, humble and contrite confession, at the moment the priest says the prayer of absolution, "I absolve you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit", your soul will be rendered as clean and holy as it was at your Baptism.

This is truly the manifest power and the Mercy of God at His most loving.

God Bless you!
We will certainly keep you in our daily thoughts and prayers.

Fraternally in Christ,

Paul Rasavage
for the Serenellians
and www.PornNoMore.com