Satisfaction—the Crown of Sacramental Reconciliation: The “May the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” Prayer in The Order of Penance

ABSTRACT: This paper considers satisfaction in light of an outstanding liturgical text for concluding confession. The “May the Passion” prayer reminds the absolved penitent that good works and trials offered as satisfaction receive immeasurable worth from the treasury of Christ’s merits entrusted to his Church. In this way, sacramental grace enables and ennobles Christian satisfaction. The living out of “May the Passion” extends the reach and fruitfulness of sacramental grace into an everyday life of Christ-linked satisfaction. The commendation, including the words “whatever good you do and whatever evil you endure,” places all good works and sufferings under the mantle of the penitential liturgy and its transforming grace. This ongoing conversion and healing satisfaction crown the sacrament of penance.