The Confiteor — "I confess to almighty God…" — is the prayer of repentance near the start of Mass, where we strike our breast and say "through my fault." Here's what it means and where it comes from.
The Confiteor Prayer ("I Confess"): Meaning and Biblical Roots of the Penitential Act
The Confiteor — Latin for "I confess" — is the prayer of general confession in the penitential act at the start of Mass: "I confess to almighty God… that I have greatly sinned… through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault" (mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa). In this session of The Mass Explained, Dr. Brant Pitre shows its roots in two of Jesus' parables — the Prodigal Son, who returns saying "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you" (Luke 15), and the tax collector who "beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner'" and "went down to his house justified" (Luke 18). He traces how the prayer developed across the centuries and unfolds the mystical meaning of striking the breast, drawing on St. Augustine and Pope Innocent III.
Key passages & sources examined: the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–20); the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9–14); St. Augustine on striking the breast (Sermon 67); the medieval Missals and Pope Innocent III; St. Robert Bellarmine; and the Catechism on preparing to receive Communion (CCC 1385, 1394).
What does "Confiteor" mean? Latin for "I confess" — the prayer of general confession at the start of Mass.
What does "mea culpa" mean? "Through my fault." It is said three times — "mea maxima culpa" means "through my most grievous fault" — while striking the breast.
Why do we strike our breast during it? As a visible sign of sorrow for hidden sin; St. Augustine tied the gesture to the tax collector who "beat his breast" (Luke 18).
Where does the Confiteor come in the Mass? In the penitential act, near the start of the Introductory Rites, just before the Kyrie.
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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
