"The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God’s grace and rejoining us with him in an intimate friendship. Reconciliation with God is thus the purpose and effect of this sacrament. For those who receive the sacrament of Penance with contrite heart and religious disposition, reconciliation is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation."
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1468)