If one moment, gesture, or image could represent the Jubilee of Mercy, it would be the Sacrament of Confession.
POPE FRANCIS
'God understands us. He waits for us. He does not get tired of forgiving us if we repent and go to him with a truly open heart.â?
Lent will be one of the key parts of the Jubilee Year. It's a period when Catholics can examine their lives, a period of conversion.
POPE FRANCIS
'So many people need their wounds healed! This is the mission of the Church.â?
Next year Lent begins on February 10th and the Vatican is currently studying how to enhance the confessional, when it becomes one of the key places in the Church.
One idea: The remains of two of the great confessors of all time will be brought to St. Peter's Basilica: Saint Leopold and Saint Pio.
FR. CARLO CALLONI
General Postulator OFM Capuchin
'Padre Pio was haunted by demons. He beat them precisely because he reconciled with God. Those who went to confession to St. Leopold sometimes were puzzled to see an empty chair and Saint Leopold on his knees in the place of the penitent, to listen and help them feel welcomed.â?
Both saints confessors were Capuchins and lived through the worst moments of the 20th century: both World Wars. Their holiness was so well known that people lined up to confess before them.
Pope Francis hopes that both of them become some of the main examples of the Year of Mercy. They won't be the only ones but will be important: First to remind pilgrims of the importance of confession, and second for priests, to follow their example.
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