|
Sacrament of Penance
Vatican City, Feb 19, 2007 / 10:14 am (CNA).-
Today in the Vatican, the Pope received Cardinal James F. Stafford, major
penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary, prelates and officials of that
tribunal, and those priests and prelates who hear confessions at the
basilicas of Rome. The Holy Father reminded those gathered and all priests
of their role as transmitters of the mercy of God to the world.
In his address to them, the Pope pointed out how a confessor, "following the
Church's Magisterium with gentle insistence, becomes a minister of the
consoling mercy of God, he emphasizes the reality of sin, and at the same
time reveals the limitless renovating power of divine love, the love that
restores life."
"Experiencing the Lord's tenderness and forgiveness, penitents are more
easily persuaded to recognize the gravity of sin, and more determined to
avoid it in order to remain and grow in a renewed friendship with Him."
The confessor is "an active instrument of divine mercy," said the Holy
Father. "Therefore, he must unite a highly-developed spiritual and pastoral
sensitivity with serious theological, moral and educational training making
him capable of understanding people's life experiences. Furthermore, it is
good for him to know the social, cultural and professional background of
those who come to the confessional, in order to be able to give appropriate
advice and spiritual and practical guidance."
Priests must not forget that in the Sacrament of Penance they are "fathers,
spiritual judges, teachers and educators," said the Pope, adding that "this
calls for constant 'aggiornamento'." In this context, he also mentioned the
advantages of "the courses of the so-called 'internal forum' promoted by the
Apostolic Penitentiary."
"We cannot preach forgiveness and reconciliation to others if we do not
experience these things personally. Although it is true that in our ministry
there are various ways and instruments with which to communicate the
merciful love of God to our brothers and sisters, it is nonetheless in the
celebration of this Sacrament that we can do so in the most complete and
exalted manner. Christ has chosen us, dear priests, to be the only ones with
the power to pardon sins in His name. This then, is a specific ecclesial
service to which we must give priority."
Many people in difficulty "seek the comfort and consolation of Christ," Pope
Benedict concluded. "How many penitents find in confession the peace and joy
they were seeking for so long! How can we not recognize, also in our own
time marked by so many religious and social challenges, that this Sacrament
must be rediscovered and presented anew?"
|
