By Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB
We have seen, in the first article about this sacrament, that three things are necessary for its valid celebration: contrition for the sins one has committed; confession to a priest of all serious sins; and satisfaction of the penance which is asked of the penitent.
By Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB
This is the first in a series of articles examining the theology and spirituality of the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation.
The Gospels bring out clearly that Jesus wanted to give authority regarding sin to His Church.
One example will suffice — John 20:21-23: “He breathed on them, and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. If you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
