Your Sins Are Forgiven — Exploring the Sacrament of Pardon and Peace

Fr Gerard Bradley, parish priest in the archdiocese of Southwark and former lecturer in Liturgy and Spirituality at St John’s Seminary, Wonersh, gave a live-streamed study day on the topic ‘Your sins are forgiven: exploring the sacrament of forgiveness and peace’ on 18th June 2022. Fr Adrian Graffy introduced the study day from the parish of Gidea Park, and Fr Gerard addressed us from his parish of Old Coulsdon. How do we view the sacrament, and what do we call it? Confession is only one component. It also involves sorrow, or ‘compunction’, and this lies at its heart. The ‘absolution’ which follows announces God’s mercy and our freedom. ‘Penance’ heralds our continuing conversion as followers as Jesus Christ. The sacrament presents the opportunity and the grace to repair relationships and be reconciled . Fr Gerard also considered obstacles to the celebration of the sacrament, and dealt with several questions from our audience. A thoroughly thought-provoking consideration of the role of the sacrament of forgiveness in our lives.