When these are committed after baptism, they can be remitted only by auricular confession, or the sacrifice of penance, of which confession forms an essential part.

To the efficacy of this ceremony, contrition of heart is supposed, in theory, to be essential; but its necessity is rarely taught, and the great mass of the community go away from the confessional fully satisfied that their sins are canceled by the mere external form.
Pardon by the priest is not, however, absolute.

Grace is restored, and eternal punishment remitted, but there must be a temporary punishment,--certain penances, such as fasting, alms-giving, saying prayers, and the like.

The fasts are merely the substituting of a less for a more palatable and nutritious diet.

Alms are more for the spiritual benefit of the giver, than for the relief of the receiver.
The supposed efficacy of prayer has no connection with the sincerity of the offerer.