Do you want to make a good confession? Start your preparation with the Catechism of Saint Pius X.

Many Catholics say they don't know where to begin to make a good examination of conscience. Others, unfortunately, approach the sacrament of confession without realizing the seriousness of their faults… or without even knowing they have sinned!

The root of this is simple: lack of formation.

What if I told you that one of the most precious tools for knowing the Church's doctrine, understanding the Commandments, and making a good confession is available to everyone—and is just over 100 years old?

Today we are going to talk about the Catechism of Saint Pius X, a true treasure of the Church, essential for those who want to confess well, live in a state of grace, and grow in the spiritual life.

What is the Catechism of Saint Pius X?

It was published in 1908 by order of Pope Saint Pius X, a saint known for his zeal for doctrine, the Sacred Liturgy, and love for the Eucharist.

Unlike longer and more theological catechisms, this one is direct, simple, and objective, in a question-and-answer format.

It was written for the people, understandable even to children. But don’t be fooled! Its simplicity hides immense depth. Each answer summarizes centuries of Church teaching.

Saint Pius X said:

"The main duty of a Christian is to know, love, and serve God."

And the Catechism helps us fulfill this duty.

Why is it useful for the examination of conscience?

Many think examining conscience is simply remembering “big” sins. But it’s more than that!

It’s a deep look at one’s life, confronting our actions with God’s Law.

And what does God's Law teach us?

• The Ten Commandments,

• The Precepts of the Church,

• The Capital Sins,

• The Christian Virtues,

• The duties of our state in life...

All this is clearly explained in the Catechism of Saint Pius X, with examples and simple questions that help any faithful to discover if they are in mortal sin, negligent in faith, or not living as an authentic Christian.

The catechism is, therefore, a mirror of the soul. Whoever studies it, knows themselves better. And whoever knows themselves, confesses better.

How to use the Catechism to prepare for confession?

Let’s get practical.

Imagine you will confess in a few days. Instead of just “thinking about life,” you sit down with the Catechism of Saint Pius X and begin to ask yourself, in the light of faith:

• Have I kept God’s Commandments?

• Have I missed Sunday Mass out of laziness?

• Have I disrespected my parents?

• Do I hold grudges?

• Have I been dishonest in business?

• Have I given bad example?

These questions are in the Catechism—and go even further, addressing things many don’t even consider sins.

It also shows the gravity of sins, what is mortal sin and what is venial. It teaches what contrition is, how to make an act of sorrow, the effects of the sacrament of Penance...

Whoever studies the Catechism confesses with more awareness, more sorrow for sins, and a true purpose of change.

What happens when people don't know the Catechism?

Sadly, many confessions today are superficial, vague, lacking true repentance.

How many say:

"Father, I don’t have much to confess..."

Or: "Ah, just everyday sins..."

Or worse: "It’s been years since I confessed, but I can’t remember anything serious."

Brothers and sisters, this is the consequence of religious ignorance.

Saint John Mary Vianney said:

"Ignorance is the first cause of the damnation of souls."

Without formation, we don’t know what sin is. And if we don’t know we sin, we don’t confess well. And if we don’t confess well, we risk our salvation.

A path of conversion and holiness

The Catechism of Saint Pius X is not only for preparing confessions. It helps form our Christian conscience daily.

It teaches us:

• What we must believe (Faith),

• What we must do (Morality),

• How we must live (life of prayer and sacraments).

Those who study it regularly notice, over time, that their life changes. The soul becomes more sensitive to sin. The heart leans more easily toward good. Conversion deepens.

Conclusion and call to action

Do you want to make a good examination of conscience?

Do you want to confess well?

Do you want to grow spiritually?

Start today studying the Catechism of Saint Pius X.

You can find it online for free, in PDF or on serious Catholic websites. There are also printed editions.

Make a resolution: study a part each day. Reflect. Apply it to your life. Bring it into your prayer.

And remember: confession is a tribunal of mercy, but without true repentance, there is no forgiveness.

Know the truth of the faith. Examine your soul. Confess well. And save your soul.