How Much Wisdom Flows from That Purple Stole
A reflection on the ministry of confession.
“Father, I always come here to you Jesuits to confess. And do you know why? Because I know that in your church, I will find a confessor who will be merciful to me!”
That’s what a lady once told me, arriving with the sincere desire to present her sins to God.
The presence of confessors in the churches of the Society is an ancient tradition, a long-standing practice that belongs to the charism of those who, by vocation, are called to “the spiritual consolation of the faithful, by hearing their confessions” (Formula of the Institute).
The churches of the Society are usually located in the centre of various cities, where the Jesuits have always sought to ensure the presence of one of their own—wise and merciful—ready to offer God’s forgiveness.
In Reggio Calabria, at the Church of the Ottimati, Fr. Francesco Lupo and Fr. Tonino Taliano are present for the sacrament of reconciliation and share some of their reflections.
“The service of confessor, besides being a school of humility and generosity, taught our fathers to wait, knowing that each person has his own time. While remaining anchored to the confessional seems to conflict with the outgoing Church‘s urgency, emphasized so much by the Pope, waiting for the penitent is part of the same mission. It consoles us to see the person leave happily because it means that waiting two hours is worthwhile!”
Sometimes it is not easy to absolve, give advice, or suggest something meaningful. How do you think you have managed so far?
It seems there have been no major difficulties. Moreover, it has been a ministry of consolation, in response to the problems shared, which are often related to family matters—relationships between parents and children, and between siblings—as well as professional issues, for those who feel or are truly exploited. The work of consolation and encouragement serves as a help to souls and becomes a true spiritual accompaniment for all those who often return to the confessional.
I often ask the penitent, “If a friend asked you for the advice you are now asking me for, what would you tell him?”
Would you recommend that a young Jesuit who has recently been ordained hear confessions? Why?
“Definitely. In fact, hearing confessions allows one to see God’s initiative at work and helps to become aware that God’s grace is at work. Beyond this, this priestly ministry helps to develop important attitudes of welcome, which enable one to connect with the One who first welcomed us with outstretched, crucified arms. Furthermore, the advice is never to be scandalized by what is heard.”
How much wisdom, then, flows through the confessionals, through that purple stole, and how much grace and hope in those words: “may God grant you, through the ministry of the Church, forgiveness and peace…”
Piero Lamazza SJ
