The Importance of the Sacrament of Confession

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION

The Sacrament of Healing

Many of us have forgotten the great value of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in our lives as Catholics. In fact, nowadays, many confessional boxes have been dirtied with cobwebs. It seems that many are no longer used to going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. People would automatically line up for Holy Communion during Mass but without cleasing their souls first in the Sacrament of Confession. This is very alarming because it shows that there is no more regard for the Eucharist being the real Presence of the Lord. Our Catechism tells us that before we receive Holy Communion, it is presupposed that we have not committed grave or mortal sins and if ever we do, we must first receive the forgiveness of God granted in the Sacrament of Reconciliation through the absolution given by the priest (CCC no. 1484).

Saint John Bosco, the founder of the Salesian Congregation, is known as one of the great apostles of Confession because of his lifelong dedication to this spiritual ministry. He would sit for many hours just to hear confession of his young boys. If Saint John Ma. Vianney, the Patron of Parish Priests, is considered as the one who heard the most number of confessions of adults, it can be said that Saint John Bosco is the one who heard the confessions of the most member of young people. These two saints gave so much value to the Sacrament of Confession and used it as a means to save and sanctify the souls of countless numbers of people. Through the Sacrament of Confession, Ars, a remove village in France, who was inhabited by indifferent Catholics, became a leading pilgrim site not only for the people of Ars but by whole of France and other neighboring countries due to the zeal of Saint John Ma. Vianney in administering the Sacrament of Confession.

Saint John Bosco, the great apostle of the young, turned the street urchins of Turin into holy boys through the Sacrament of Confession. In fact, the Sacrament of Confession was his secret in making the ferocious youngsters turned into meek lambs. It is the main component of what he calls as the "Preventive System" in his method of Education which has benefited so many young people all over the world.

We remember Saint Leopoldo Maldic who was able to sanctify great number of sinners through the ministry of confession. He would sit for long hours in confession during the day and in the night would do vigil doing penance for his penitents. His short but inspiring advice to penitents brought so much good to their souls.

If this Sacrament has been proven effective in sanctifying the young and the old, how come very few are going to this wonderful Sacrament of Healing and Sanctifying? Perhaps, this Sacrament is not explained well enough and is not anymore being taught correctly.

©️: Catholic FAITH Defenders

📸:RJP