Day of Penance
March 26, 2013 12:30-7:30 pm unless otherwise noted
For more information on the Day of Penance in the Diocese of Rochester visit: http://forgiven.dor.org
“Sin is never an individual affair. Sin damages our relationships with others and all of
creation. Thus, sin is never a purely individual affair and has social dimensions”
(Pope Benedict XVI, Sacramentum Caritatis 20; John Paul II, Reconciliatio et Paenitentia 15).
In my parish, I am estimating 200 confessions that went over 45 minutes overtime. I would call that a 1st year success, especially in light of the near absent catechesis and support from the ambo. I would also give kudos to the Catholic Courier for their coverage.
I have heard more about the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the last 5 weeks than I had in the nearly 10 years since I have been back in the Church.
The priests that I have talked to today say thay were “in awe” at how well attended the “Day of Penance” was. It just goes to prove that people are hungry and need to be fed. Hopefully, the DOR will continue this practice and maybe add a day like this during Advent too!
I spoke to a priest about how it went, and all input confirms the above! Incredible turnouts, some parishes brought in priests from outside, time ran way over and the priest expected to be just sitting there waiting but were busy all the time and shocked at the turnout….saw a “pent-up” demand. I sensed they were “energized” by the turnout even though tired. What a wonderful blessing!
I went to confession on the “day of penance”. I counted about 20 or so people during the time I was in church. I had to wait about 25 minutes in line. I have not seen that many at confession in a long, long time. I also noticed the absence of communal absolutions this year. Thank you Bishop Cunningham, priests and people for a very successful event.
Success is everybody’s child. So is the case with the Day for Penance. When first announced there was grumbling among priests and others over the very idea of being ordered by Bishop Cunningham to spend 7 hours hearing confessions. The idea of sitting in a box for 7 hours with nobody expected to come was lamented. The order (make no mistake — it WAS an order) needed obedience albeit decorated in grumbles.
Now that the day has been shown to be such a success, why does the DoR Courier not even make a mention of Bishop Cunningham’s role in protecting and caring for his flock in the Rochester Diocese? Yet, on the front page of that same electronic courier, received today, is more advertising for Bishop Clark mementoes. We already have one — the lack of confession and its welled-up need…. keep the glossy pictures and photo ops, what we really had needed was care of souls. It begins at the confessional. Thank you Bishop Cunningham!