Penance is the sacrament through which the sins we have committed after Baptism, whether mortal or venial, are forgiven. Through this sacrament, God restores and increases His grace within our souls.

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It involves a priest hearing a person's confession of sins, the priest granting absolution, and the penitent performing a penance, leading to reconciliation with both God and the Church.

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The priest forgives sins by the power of God, when he pronounces the words of absolution.

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