Confession is a means of obtaining God’s forgiveness in addition to receiving absolution before receiving holy communion. We examine our conscience and confess our sins to the priest with the desire to amend our ways. It is one of the unique aspects of Catholicism.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Why do we go for confession? When we examine our conscience, we know the moments when we have pleased God and those times when we have not. We know ourselves better when we confess our sins, and this is also when we realise our desperate need of God’s grace to go through our lives. The graces received during confession helps us to desist from evil, do good and to resist temptation. We strive to become more like Jesus in patience, humility, generosity and love and become more resolute in following God.

After confession, we experience some inner peace which emanates from the realisation that we now have a good relationship with God. Do you long for that kind of peace? Find a priest and confess your sins.