Bishop Schwarz: Rediscover reconciliation – hope in Lent!

Bishop Schwarz: Rediscover reconciliation – hope in Lent!

St. Pölten Bishop Alois Schwarz calls on Catholics to rediscover the sacrament of reconciliation, also known as confession, and to free themselves from the false ideas created by church representatives. In his Lenten pastoral letter dated March 5, 2025, he speaks of a distorted image of confession, which is associated with shame and self-punishment for many older people. “Confession is nothing less than the promise of a loving life given by God for the future,” emphasizes the bishop. He also recognizes the opportunities that lie in the rediscovery of the sacrament in order to free people from separation from God. Schwarz is convinced that confession would give them the opportunity to unburden their own souls and look into the future with a new perspective, allowing them to free themselves from internal blockages. The clear definition of “sin”, which is often suppressed 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 “reconcile” is derived from the original “reconcile” and means something like “to make good” or “to calm down”. This is also reflected in the teaching content that is published on the Bischofsberg Pastoral Room website. These illuminate the emotional dimension of reconciliation and describe it as a process of calming negative emotions and restoring communion between people and God. During reconciliation discussions, which can take place privately with a priest, or reconciliation celebrations in church, which take place before Easter and Christmas, the central concern of returning to God and inner healing is addressed. The sacrament of reconciliation is thus highlighted as a central means of restoring the relationship with God and community among people, as well kathpress and pastoral area-Bischofsberg portray vividly.