The bishops of England and Wales have discussed whether parishes might celebrate the Third Rite of Reconciliation during the Year of Mercy.
But at their November meeting, the bishops did not approve the move, despite some lively discussion.
Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth wrote that the bishops acknowledged that valid conditions required for general absolution “were not generally met in our circumstances”.
“What is more important in the Year of Mercy is to reflect on the processes of conversion and the central place in conversion of a one-to-one encounter with Jesus Christ,” Bishop Egan wrote.
This encounter, through individual confession in either of two rites, is key to experiencing personally God’s love, he added.
Related Posts:
News category: News Shorts.
