The following reflection on Reconciliation Monday originally appeared on Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Facebook page. Follow the Bishop for daily reflections and weekly videos as we journey through this sacred season together!
Today our Diocese joins the Archdiocese of New York and the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre in our observance of Reconciliation Monday. This means that priests from 27 churches throughout our Diocese will join priests throughout the New York metropolitan area to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM today. The hope is that anyone who wishes to receive Christ’s forgiving grace through the Sacrament can do so before the start of the Easter Triduum.
While this is a new spiritual practice in our Diocese, the observance of Reconciliation Monday has become a tradition in the Dioceses adjacent to us for many years. It has grown in popularity in part because every Catholic knows that Sacrament of Reconciliation is available in every Catholic Church today. By some estimates, over 100,000 people will come to the Sacrament of Penance today and be reconciled to the Lord in advance of Easter. What a tremendous spiritual blessing for them and for the entire Church.
If you wish to have your confession heard today, please consult our diocesan website for the Churches in our Diocese that are participating in Reconciliation Monday. If you are hesitating because it has been too long since you last went to Confession or you are unsure of what to say or do, please do not be deterred. Go today and experience Christ’s forgiving love. You have nothing to lose, except for your sins!
