[Salvation]

**Roman Catholic priests are reporting a marked rise in the number of people attending confession since the election of Pope Francis – including young people and some who had not attended Church for decades.**

Great news.

[Ransomed]

“This summer there has been a marked difference in demand compared to last summer … We don’t usually offer confessions in August but have done this year.”

Not sure why, but I doubt they have a good reason. As far as the US, I think if a parish of a few thousand families is offered confession an hour before the vigil Mass 51 times a year, it might not demonstrate that confession is all that important.

FReegards

[fidelis]

Nothing against Pope Francis, but I think the rise in people availing themselves more of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is more due to the young priests that came up under the influence of Popes JPII and Benedict. Our new pastor and his associate are in their early 30's. He built a brand-new, beautiful Old World-style confessional and preached the value of Confession from the pulpit. One of them is in the confessional for 12 hours a day on the weekends (including during Mass) and several times during the week. And there is ALWAYS a line.

Confession is Beautiful - At St. Annes Parish

http://www.catholicsun.org/2012/10/16/confession-is-beautiful-at-st-anne-parish/