Father Vince's Spiritual Reflections

As a young priest one of my joys was hearing confessions on my weekend calls to various parishes. At that time in the late 50’s and 60’s, weekly confessions were common for Catholics. But no more.

Catholics began experiencing Christ’s healing presence through other forms. For example, individual counseling or therapy, talking it over with a friend, and using the confessional parts of the Mass.

A story will illustrate a new spirit of Confession. A friend of mine was in the hospital and a nun came to visit him. On her arrival she was asked to see a priest for confession. The nun said “I will be glad to get a priest for you, but first let’s talk.” Because of her ability to be able to listen to my friend, he revealed his soul to this person. When the visit was over, the nun said she would get a priest and my friend told her there was no need to do that since he had made his confession through her.

But she objected since this was not the Sacrament. Technically speaking that may be true, but my friend experienced the healing and forgiving touch of Christ through his contact. Aren’t the Sacraments designed to bring you in contact with the healing power of Christ? So in some mysterious way this nun may have provided the atmosphere, the mood that was Christ. Remember that the Sacraments were given by Christ as a sign of unconditional love. This story illustrates the true healing power of God.

Now that we are in the season of Lent, we have the unique opportunity to experience the healing presence of the Lord either through the Sacraments or other human experiences. Hopefully you will be able to experience this Sacrament through an understanding Priest who listens to your story without judgment and you can go forward always with new hope.

Father Vince

Fr. Vince O'Brien, S.J. is the Chaplain for SDC. He can be contacted at: Manresa Hall, 261 City Line Avenue, Merion Station, PA 19066 or (610) 660-1406.