Very touching. https://aleteia.org/2017/01/24/i-know-we-encounter-christ-in-confession-but-i-wasnt-expecting-this/ I know we encounter Christ in confession, but I wasn’t expecting THIS! I carried a heavy burden into the sacrament, and then Jesus made his presence loud and clear A number of years ago I approached a confessional in the crypt church at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. It was there that something somewhat miraculous happened, or at least that is how it struck me. I was a regular visitor at the crypt church for confession and to attend Mass. On this particular day, however, I was also there to pray for a close friend from my childhood days who had recently and unexpectedly passed away. My friend had become an avid mountain climber, and had gone on an adventure to climb one of the tallest mountains in the world in Pakistan. Some time later, I received a phone call that he had gone missing after an avalanche. Soon after, our worst fears were confirmed. His death was causing me anguish not only because of my grief, but also because I knew he’d died separated from the Church. After praying before the Blessed Sacrament, I went to confession. Once I had confessed my sins, I spoke to the priest about concerns for my friend. I never once mentioned to Father who he was or what had happened. I told him only that he had died outside the Church, and I asked if I should pray for him. His answer amazed me. In part, he said, “Sometimes I will pick up the paper and read, for example, about people who’ve died while mountain climbing in Pakistan, and yes, I would pray for them.” I took this as a miraculous intervention of Christ in the sacrament, and as a direct response regarding my friend. The unknown priest, I am sure, had no idea of the prophetic words he had just spoken to me. As believers, we know that God always hears our prayers, even if sometimes it may not feel like it. As Catholics, we also know that God is present to us in a special way in the sacraments. The priest works in persona Christi Capitis, in the person of Christ the head, or as the Church teaches, “it is Christ Himself who is present.” (CCC 1548). This is of great consolation in confession — the sacrament of divine mercy — when we are blessed to hear those most comforting of Jesus’ words, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” (CCC 1484) The priest’s words that day had a number of effects on me. First and foremost, they powerfully reconfirmed the efficaciousness of the sacrament. Christ is truly present and truly forgives. They also affirmed to me that we are called to be intercessors, for our family and our friends, and in fact, for all those entrusted to us. This is our privilege and important responsibility as Christians. Lastly, I was reminded that we should not judge, but rather, entrust everyone by prayer and sacrifice to the divine mercy of God. Even today, years later, I pray for my friend’s eternal rest.
I notice how well prepared for the Sacrament this person was. How open for the little miracle. This must have helped.
Wonderful article! It gives me renewed hope and vigor to pray for my youngest son (21 year old) who is not just away from the Church but is very angry with life, including God. I remind him and ask to go talk it over with God in confession and depending upon where he is at that day, I get polite “sure” but with no intention to really go… I’m being “yessed to death”. Or I get why should I go to a God who made me in a way where I have physical inabilities and struggles with ability to learn that I can’t overcome. He just gets so angry. Believe me, I’ve tried all methods of communicating. At times I feel like giving up…. But this article shows me to pray for my son abd to continue to turn this over to God as St. Monica did for her son, Augustine. This may be at least as much about my relationship with God as my son’s. I need to have trust , perseverance, and patience. If you have a moment this week, I humbly ask you pray for both myself and my son, Peter. Thank you. Peace
I recall reading from a famous shrink head, that all young men between the ages of 15 to 25 becomes insane because of Testesterone. I know I was. Possibly still am . I recall my headmaster at school De la Salle brother as I was leaving recounting to me all the trouble I had caused him Then he said, 'It's only the ones that caused trouble, that ever amount to anything'
I notice most of the Great Catholics I am encountering at the moment have experienced really Radical Conversions. ..often from being Total Head Cases.
I have had the grace to go to Confession there many times. Adoration is going on outside the Confessionals (in a separate area). The rosary is recited and Benediction. Confessions stop at noon and Mass commences. It’s so uplifting. There are many priests there who hear Confessions. Some are international. This is a great article about a true miracle.
I will be happy to pray for you both. Sometimes when I pray for my son, I ask God to put the right people around him to help him. It often is what he needs.
