I don’t know why I started reading this thread, probably because I’ve always been interested in the Catholic religion. As a Jew I recognize that Catholics become closer to the Holy by their senses and by actions (scents, candle lighting) like we Jews.
Anyway, I can imagine how hard it must be to go to Confession and say all your sins out loud. I’m sure it is greatly beneficial though. One thing we are lucky about on the one day we publicly apologize for our sins (Yom Kippur) is that the liturgy has us all as a congregation beating our breast (symbolically) for each of many sins together. In other words, the entire congregation together chants our sorrow over committing adultery, even if only 7 people in there committed it that year. I kind of like that.
Blessings to you.
We have that in the traditional Mass as well. Every Sunday during the Confiteor "I confess", we beat our breasts three times, saying "Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa". That's where that phrase comes from. :)
Anyway, I can imagine how hard it must be to go to Confession and say all your sins out loud. I’m sure it is greatly beneficial though.
See, you understand perfectly!!! It's very hard. But A) it makes you admit what you did out loud, which is very humbling and B) it actually prevents you from sinning as much because you are thinking I don't want to have to confess this! :D Not the greatest rationale for pleasing the Almighty, I know, but we are weak and we need all the help we can get.
The harder it was to say the lighter you feel when you walk out of there. It is better than therapy, and it's free! :D