by Clyde Ericson Nolasco
During World Youth Day 2023, I was blessed to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Lisbon, Portugal! To commemorate this core memory and profound religious experience, I asked the priest to pose for a pretend photo after my confession. Using my remote, I snapped a picture and posted it online.
A year later, just days before 2024 ended, the photo became a finalist for the Photo of the Year in the Catholic Social Media Awards. Wow!
But more than the nomination and accolades, my hope was simply to share the beauty and mystery of the Sacrament of Reconciliation with everyone.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
One of the pillars of our faith is believing in and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The five precepts of the Catholic Church include: “Confess your sins at least once a year” (CCC 1457). However, every baptized faithful is encouraged to receive this sacrament as often as we receive the Eucharist. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (commonly known as Confession) was given by Christ to the Church to absolve sins committed after baptism.
Why Confess to a Priest?
The Eucharist is my favorite sacrament, with Reconciliation coming next. While the Sacrament of Communion belongs to the Sacraments of Initiation, Reconciliation is part of the Sacraments of Healing, providing nourishment to both body and soul.
Confession involves willingly approaching the confessor, admitting sins, expressing contrition, and receiving absolution. As Youcat explains, this sacrament restores one’s broken relationship with God and the Church, which has been tainted by sin. After confession and absolution, and upon completing the assigned penance, one regains sanctifying grace.
But Why Should We Confess?
It is God’s consoling embrace, an expression of His endless mercy.
It is a preview of the promised heaven for those who humbly admit their dependence on God.
Yes, priests sin too. But confession is not about the priest—it is about the penitent returning home to God.
“Confession is an act of honesty and courage—an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God.” – St. John Paul II
As we begin a new year and join in the celebration of the Jubilee 2025, let us embrace the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and truly experience the gift of hope in Jesus.
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