act of contrition

British  

noun

1. Christianity a short prayer of penitence

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Example Sentences

The work is an act of contrition for mistakes he initially made and a deeply felt caution to all who report and read breaking news.

From Los Angeles Times

“Ultimately, actions will speak louder than words but this initial act of contrition is welcome.”

From Seattle Times

The president said that while he welcomed plans by the family to acknowledge what he called the sins of the past, it also implies “an acknowledgement of the cruel nature of African enslavement and indentureship in Guyana and an act of contrition that paves the way for justice. The Gladstone family has admitted that it benefited from African enslavement and indentureship on the Demerara and other plantations owned by its patriarch, John Gladstone.”

From Seattle Times

In Vermont, members of the clergy are mandated reporters, but the law says clergy shall not be required to a report potential abuse if the information was learned by the clergy member acting in their capacity as spiritual advisor if the information was intended to be confidential, if the information was made as an “act of contrition or a matter of conscience” or if it is “required to be confidential by religious law, doctrine, or tenet.”

From Seattle Times

If the prime minister calculated that the act of contrition would be enough to keep restive ministers and lawmakers in line, he was wrong.

From New York Times