A US diocese has converted an ambulance into a mobile confessional.
The move by Lafayette diocese in Louisiana is for the upcoming Year of Mercy.
The ambulance was donated to the diocese.
Bishop Michael Jarrell said he hopes this will be a way for more Catholics to be able to confess their sins.
“I think many people miss opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation because of busy schedules so here we’re trying to remove that obstacle,” the bishop said.
The mobile confessional will be rolled out on December 8, coinciding with the start of the Year of Mercy.
Inside the converted ambulance, priests will have a supply of holy cards, rosaries, and even holy water.
Bishop Jarrell said the initiative is aimed at fulfilling a call from Pope Francis.
“The Holy Father asked us to concentrate on the sacrament of reconciliation and that’s the purpose of this spiritual care unit to bring people into deeper communion with Christ,” the bishop said.
Local priest Fr Michael Champagne said priests often hear confessions outside of the church and this is just an easier way to continue their mission.
“This way we can have it set up and make it present where people are at gatherings like Downtown Alive perhaps, or tailgating, early tailgating,” Fr Champagne said.
He thought the mobile confessional could be a first for the entire United States.
Sources
Related Posts:
News category: World.
