The coronavirus pandemic is disrupting the daily life of practicing believers. Forced confinement since Tuesday March 17, French people of all faiths must renounce community prayers. Masses in public being suspended until further notice, Catholics are also deprived of sacrament of reconciliation in this time of health crisis. As a result, many worshipers wonder how they can confess without being able to leave their homes. A question to which Pope Francis answered Friday, March 20, during the daily mass in Saint Martha, in the Vatican, as reported Aleteia.
Pope Francis gives his advice
"Do what the catechism says, it is very clear: if you cannot find a priest to confess, speak to God: He is your father! And ask forgiveness with all your heart, reciting the act of contrition. Promise him: 'Later, I will confess but forgive me now'. And immediately you will feel God's grace again, " declared the sovereign pontiff according to remarks reported by the specialized site. And to continue: "As the catechism teaches us, you can approach God's forgiveness for yourself, without having a priest on hand. An act of contrition well done and our soul becomes white as snow again."
Church forgives believers for their sins
As the coronavirus gains ground around the world, the Catholic Church has decided to grant plenary indulgence to believers struck by the pandemic. As RTL specifies, the forgiveness of sins, established by a decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary, also concerns health professionals, people who care for infected relatives and those who pray "enough for patients and the end of the pandemic"."In an additional note, the Holy See also indicated that the absolution of sins could be done in a way 'collective' and 'without prior individual confession' in the territories currently most severely affected", add our colleagues.
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