Why Go to Confession. By Archbishop Bruno
Forte (Boston, MA: Pauline Books and Media,
2007). Archbishop Forte was frequently asked,
"Why do we have to go to confession?" So he
decided to write a book to answer the question.
First Archbishop Forte tackles the myriad of
questions people ask. Does sin even exist? If it
does, why should I talk about my personal sins,
many of which shame me, with a priest who is a
sinner, too? Why can't I go directly to God and
have Him forgive me?
Archbishop Forte clearly and patiently
explains the stages of forgiveness and discusses
our personal encounter with God Who became a
person so that we could see, touch, listen to,
speak with, and know Him. This is the God Who
meets us in the person of the priest who hears
our confession and absolves us of our sins.
A beautiful meditation on the parable of the
prodigal son (an image of which is featured on
the book cover) leads the reader to understand
that God is not only just and terrifying but
that He is also merciful and loving. Indeed,
God's love and mercy overpower His justice, for
God sent His Son to earth to save sinners, not
to condemn them.
The book uses several Scripture passages and
the Ten Commandments to provide an examination
of conscience prior to going to confession. It
also shares one of Charles de Foucauld's prayers
of abandonment to the Goodness Who is God. The
Act of Contrition concludes the book.
This beautiful little book, which is easy to
read, is a wonderful resource for those who
are trying to show others the benefit of the
Sacrament of Reconciliation. Its length and tone
have an appeal for even the most resistant
readers. You might want to ask your parish
priest if you could leave a copy of this book on
your church's literature table or you may wish
to give a copy to someone who has been away from
confession for a long time. Your prayers,
coupled with your sharing of this book, may
convince someone to enter the confessional and
be reconciled, as Archbishop Forte points out,
with God, the Church, the neighbor, and ones
self.
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To learn about a disciplined,
Catholic, joyful Rule of Life that can help you
draw closer to God while living in your own
home, consult the Home Page of the Confraternity
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Thank you and God bless!
