Chile Proposes a "Year of Penance"

[contemplative]

Chile Proposes a "Year of Penance"

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 4, 2005 (Zenit.org).- An archbishop at the underway Synod of Bishops proposed the establishment of a “Year of Penance” to reinforce the bond between the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation.

Archbishop Cristian Caro Cordero of Puerto Montt, Chile, made his proposal Monday during the first session of the synodal debate.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, spoke in support of the initiative, although he said that some time should first be taken to reflect more profoundly on the fruits of the Year of the Eucharist, which ends this month.

Archbishop Caro noted the widespread “loss of the sense of sin,” and suggested that priests make greater efforts in the spiritual direction of young people and dedicate more time to the sacrament of reconciliation. Read More…(Zenit.org).

 

[bauerice]

Excellent suggestion! I am a convert who fell in love with the confessional. :yup:

 

[crobynb]

I think it would be a fine idea. After the year of the Rosary, then Year of the Eucharist - Year of Penance would not be bad.

More Catholics should embrace this sacrament rather than fear it.

However . . . if this comes to fruition we must be careful to not alienate the struggling or returning Catholic by over-forcing the issue. For some, reconciliation is not the easiest thing to face. I think that it would need to be brought about in the most loving and kind manner - proclaiming God’s Love, Forgiveness, and Mercy rather than "repent now sinner to avoid the flames of hell . . " (okay a little over-the-top, but who knows what extremes people can go to)