The Sacrament of Penance
By Fr. Michael Mueller, CSsR · Published by TAN Books
Overview
The Sacrament of Penance stands as one of the Church’s most tender mercies, a sacred meeting between divine justice and divine love. In this penetrating and pastoral guide, Fr. Michael Mueller unfolds the doctrine and power of confession with clarity, conviction, and warmth. Penance is not presented as mere ritual, nor as psychological relief, but as resurrection, the restoration of Sanctifying Grace to a soul that has fallen from divine friendship.
Fr. Mueller explains with theological precision how Penance differs from Baptism. Baptism gives life to the soul for the first time. Penance restores that life when it has been lost through mortal sin. It is rightly called a Sacrament of the Dead, because it raises the spiritually dead and reconciles the sinner to God. When received with true contrition and right disposition, it transforms the soul from enemy to friend, from exile to beloved child.
With practical guidance and spiritual depth, this book teaches how to make a sincere examination of conscience, how to form genuine sorrow for sin, and how to embrace penance not as punishment but as healing. Here sorrow becomes the seed of joy, repentance the road to peace, and confession a living encounter with Christ Himself in the tribunal of mercy.
- Clear explanation of Sanctifying Grace and how it is restored after mortal sin
- Thorough guidance on contrition, confession, and satisfaction
- Practical help for making a careful and fruitful examination of conscience
- Theological clarity on the difference between Baptism and Penance
- A stirring call to approach the confessional with confidence and devotion
From the Book
“The Sacrament of Penance is a laborious Baptism.”
— Fr. Michael Mueller, CSsR
Intended Audience
This work is ideal for Catholics who desire to deepen their understanding of confession, return to the sacrament after years away, or prepare more seriously for a good and thorough confession. It is equally suited for catechists, clergy, and serious students of theology seeking a traditional and doctrinally rich treatment of the sacrament.
FAQs
How does Penance differ from Baptism?
Baptism grants Sanctifying Grace for the first time and washes away original sin. Penance restores Sanctifying Grace to those who have lost it through mortal sin, reconciling them once more to God.
Is confession only about forgiveness?
No. Confession restores divine friendship, heals the wounds of sin, strengthens the soul against future falls, and prepares it to grow further in grace through the other Sacraments.
Key Themes
- The restoration of Sanctifying Grace and reconciliation with God
- True contrition and the healing power of sacramental confession
- Penance as spiritual resurrection and renewed divine friendship
- Publication Date:
- 03/01/26
- Pages:
- 376
- Height:
- 7.00
- Width:
- 5.00
