In some parishes throughout the world (and even at St Peter’s in Rome), priests hear confessions during Holy Mass – I’ve seen it with my own eyes in Saint Peter’s in Rome. In fact, in many places, priests hear confessions before Mass, during Mass, and after Mass. At one parish, there is a priest in the confessional from 7am till 2pm (7 hours)! These priests are very devoted to what Saint Paul the Apostle called ministry of reconciliation (ministerium reconciliationis in the Vulgate – 2 Cor 5:18). Deo gratias!

There is always a steady line of people at the back of the Church waiting for confession.

Sometimes visitors remark in dismay, “What? Confession during Mass? Doesn’t that detract from the Eucharist?”

Is there a good answer to this question?

I was speaking with a wonderful diocesan priest who informed me that none other than His Holiness John Paul II specifically asked that Catholic priests to offer confession DURING Holy Mass when a second priest is available. Confession during Mass isn’t some medieval confusion or preference of the traddies. It’s the explicit desire of our last Holy Father – John Paul II.

Here’s the complete quote from His Holiness Pope John Paul II in his Motu Proprio Misercordia Dei (April 7, 2002) in which he asked for confessions during Masses.:

2. Local Ordinaries, and parish priests and rectors of churches and shrines, should periodically verify that the greatest possible provision is in fact being made for the faithful to confess their sins. It is particularly recommended that in places of worship confessors be visibly present at the advertised times, that these times be adapted to the real circumstances of penitents, and that confessions be especially available before Masses, and even during Mass if there are other priests available, in order to meet the needs of the faithful.

If other priests are available there should be confessions “especially” before Masses and “even” during Mass

Pretty interesting.

Thanks be to God for the sacrament of penance. It’s one of my favorite things about being Catholic.