Confession

Perhaps we need to all grow in our understanding of the sacrament of reconciliation.

Pope Francis is continuing his series of audience talks on the Mass, reflecting on the penitential rite.

Continuing a tradition he began in 2014, the pope invited people who work at the Vatican, along with their family members and loved ones, to receive pre-Christmas greetings.

Two books, one book braces reality and with a corporate understanding of Catholicism. The second book that appeal to the people that are more spiritual but point to ourselves and not to God.

Pope Francis told priests to be ready to use confession as an opportunity to evangelize and remind people of the basic, essential truth of faith and morality. Pray to God for the gift of humility and the recognition of one’s own sins that God fully pardoned, he told them.

Australia’s five archbishops asked the Vatican about concerns raised whether the seal of confession includes only the sins confessed, not other information revealed in confession, and under what circumstances — specifically concerning an abuser — a priest could withhold absolution.

Acknowledging and sharing God’s mercy is a permanent part of the Christian life, so initiatives undertaken during the special Year of Mercy must continue, Pope Francis said.

I have always had a great fear of confession. Once I got in there, I would be so scared that I would just say the first thing I could think of, in order to get it over with. As a result, I have never really made a good confession in my entire life.