Bishop Schwarz: rediscover reconciliation - hope in Lent!

Bishop Schwarz: rediscover reconciliation - hope in Lent!

The St. Pöltner Bishop Alois Schwarz calls the Catholics to rediscover the sacrament of reconciliation, also known as confession, and to free themselves from the wrong ideas created by church representatives. In his letter of fasting on March 5, 2025, he speaks of a distorted image of confession, which is associated with shame and self -punishment in many older people. "The confession is nothing less than the promise of the loving life gained from God to the future," emphasizes the bishop. He also recognizes the opportunities that lie in the rediscovery of the sacraments in order to free people from the secretion of God. The confession would give you the opportunity to relieve your own soul and to look with a new look into the future, which means that you can loosen from internal blockages, the conviction of black ’. The clear definition of "sin", which is often displaced in consciousness, should be part of this renewal.

reconciliation is not only a central concept in Christianity, but also has deep linguistic roots. The word "reconciliation" is derived from the original "sustainable" and means "make good" or "calm". This can also be seen in the teaching content published on the website of the Bischofsberg pastoral area. These illuminate the emotional dimension of reconciliation and describe it as a process to calm negative emotions and to restore the community between humans and God. As part of reconciliation talks that can take place privately with a priest, or reconciliation celebrations in the church that take place before Easter and Christmas, the central concern of return to God and inner healing is addressed. The sacrament of reconciliation is thus emphasized as a central means of restoring the relationship with God and to the community among people, as well as pastoral room-bischofsberg represent.