Confessions
Padre Pio hears Confessions
Ministry of Mercy
In the spirit of Christ the good Shepherd, the Capuchins are called to proclaim the mercy of God. A special expression of this is their faithful dispensing of the forgiveness of sin that God offers in the sacrament of Penance. We willingly make ourselves available to hear the confessions of the faithful, especially since this ministry is highly appropriate to us as lesser brothers and brings us close to those who most experience the misery of sin. We strive to be outstanding in our zeal for God’s holiness and mercy, in our respect for the dignity of the human person, and in charity, patience and prudence.
In focus
There are Capuchin saints known for their dedication to the sacrament of confession, such as the Croatian-born Saint Leopoldo Mandic (1866-1942). Known for his compassion for his penitents, St Leopold heard confessions for ten to twelve hours a day, irrespective of the cold, heat, weariness or illness. “Stay calm,” he used to say to his penitents, “put everything on my shoulders. I will look after it.” He took on himself sacrifices, prayers, night vigils, fasts and disciplines. He met each penitent with joy. He even thanked the penitents, and would have hugged them. Once a penitent entered Leopoldo’s cell and sat on his armchair. Leopoldo heard his confession while kneeling down himself. Standing at only four and a half feet, and of frail health, he offered himself wholeheartedly to his “mission field of Mercy”. Learn more about St Leopold here.
