Talks on the Sacramentals, by Msgr Arthur Tonne - Ceremonies of Confession

"There is a shame that bringeth sin, and there is a shame that bringeth glory and grace." Ecclus., 4:25.

Under Louis XIV France was at war with Holland. A young officer of the French army called upon Fenelon, the saintly archbishop of Cambrai.

"Your Lordship," said the soldier, "I am ordered to the front to engage in a battle that will soon take place. I feel urged to make a confession of my sins. Before doing so, however, I would like you to prove to me the divine institution of the Sacrament of Penance."

"I am at your service," His Grace replied, "and since the shortest way is the best way, I advise you to go to confession first of all."

The officer objected that it would be just like trying a thing in order to understand it. How could he learn that God established confession by trying it?

"My son," explained the archbishop, "theoretically that is true, but let me assure you with all the weight of experience that this is nevertheless the surest and shortest way."

The fellow, persuaded by the tone of authority, made a confession. When it was over the churchman offered to instruct him further.

"It is not necessary, Your Grace," smiled the soldier, "I am not only convinced of the necessity of confession, I feel it."

That is the experience of everyone who has ever made a sincere confession. The reason is two-fold: first, the penitent knows positively that his sins are forgiven; secondly, he finds in the ceremonies of confession spiritual helps and inspiration. Those simple ceremonies, consoling sacramentals that they are, bring many graces. Let us consider their meaning and keep them in mind:

1. As you enter church you genuflect to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. You kneel before the same Jesus who forgave sins Himself, and who gave the power of forgiving sins to the leaders of His Church. Give Him a thought.

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you make a good confession. When Jesus gave the power of forgiving sins He said:

"Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained." St. John, 20:23.

The priest needs the help of the Holy Spirit to guide you and absolve you; you need the help of the Holy Spirit to make a good confession. It is enough to say:

"Holy Spirit, help me make a good confession."

3. You may examine your conscience or think of your sins in several ways:

a. Think of all Ten Commandments of God and the Church Laws.

b. Think back to your last good confession and your serious sins will stand out.

c. Examine yourself on those commandments which you generally violate. You must confess all mortal sins, their number and their kind. You are advised to confess also your venial sins.

4. Next comes the most important part of your confession, namely, contrition or sorrow for sin. Kneeling before Jesus who died for your sins, you should be able to excite true sorrow for your disobedience.

5. It is also necessary to tell God that you will try to avoid that sin or those sins in the future. This firm purpose of amendment is another essential.

6. While preparing and waiting for confession stay at a distance to avoid hearing anything from the confessional. Should you hear anything, you are bound to absolute secrecy.

7. In the confessional kneel down. That is a ceremony of humility. You are kneeling before God's representative. As you enter the priest blesses you:

"May the Lord be in thy heart and on thy lips, that thou mayest make a sincere and entire confession of all thy sins. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Making the sign of the cross, remember that through the death of Christ on the cross your sins are forgiven.

8. Begin your confession with some simple, clear sentence like this:

"Bless me, Father, for I have sinned...." Or, "I confess to Almighty God, and to you, father, that I have sinned...my last confession was two weeks ago." Then mention your sins.

9. It is not necessary to say that you received absolution, said your penance, and received Holy Communion. If you did not receive absolution or did not say your penance, mention that and tell the priest why. If you did not receive Holy Communion mention the reason.

10. Tell your sins simply, clearly, briefly. You must tell all your mortal sins--the kind of mortal sins and the number of times, at least about how often. You are advised to confess also your venial sins. When you are finished let the priest know by saying something like this:

"For these and all my sins I am heartily sorry."

In general don't drag out your confession with useless details. On the other hand, there is no need for rushing or hurrying. If you want advice, ask for it. If you want or need help, ask for it.

11. Listen attentively to the advice of the priest, and answer simply and clearly any questions he may ask. He is guided by the Holy Spirit.

12. The priest recites four short prayers as he gives you absolution. During the third prayer, he makes the sign of the cross over you as he says the words:

"I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

13. On leaving the confessional say your penance immediately. Any time before your next confession is permitted, but say your penance at once, lest you forget it.

14. Again direct your gaze and your heart to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and thank Him for this great gift of grace and mercy.

Like that French officer, anyone who has ever made a good confession knows from experience that it is something divine, something out of this world. Some of these ceremonies are sacramentals; others are customs. They help to put us into the proper spiritual disposition for this great boon of forgiveness. Amen.