One of the themes for Lent each year is reconciliation. Here in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, the Bishop has instituted a special program called "The Light is on for You." Numerous churches across the Diocese are holding special reconcilation hours on each Wednesday during Lent. I can testify that this is a beautiful sacrament but one that is often overlooked. Many people feel that they are in conversation with God and therefore can ask Him to forgive their sins. But the Catechism explains simply the benefits of the sacrament and why it is important to receive absolution from a priest in paragraph 1496, " The spiritual effects of the sacrament of Penance are: reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace; reconciliation with the Church; remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins; remission, at least in part, of temporal punishments resulting from sin; peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation; an increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle." Why would we avoid something that can bring us such comfort? I think we often walk around burdened with guilt and sadness and all of that could be removed by going to reconciliation. The Catechism also tells us in paragraph 2042 that "we shall confess our sins at least once a year to ensure preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness." Recently I was blessed to hear a great talk about contrition. I learned that there are indeed degrees of contrition. A perfect contrition is pursued by us because we love God and are truly sorry that we have damaged our relationship with Him. An imperfect contrition is usually made becasue we are afraid of going to Hell. Both are good reasons to make a confession but isn't it obvious which of these choices is more beneficial for us? I hope that the light is on for you and that you choose to go to reconciliation. I know that you will feel pardon and peace and certainly the love of God.
The release of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s note, Mater Populi Fidelis , on November 4, 2025, seems to have sparked some immediate and widespread confusion, driven largely by sensationalist headlines from secular sources. In response to requests, particularly surrounding a potential Fifth Marian Dogma of Spiritual Maternity , the DDF addressed the usage of titles like Co-redemptrix and Mediatrix. Unfortunately, this has led to a large contingent online and in the media claiming that the Church has "tossed out" centuries of doctrine, with some outside the Church even proclaiming a "victory" over Catholic teaching (This may be the saddest part of it all, that we as Christians, are "competing" with each other). It is essential to understand that this doctrinal note is fundamentally about titles and clarity, not doctrine and change according to the Vatican News. The true teachings regarding Mary's unique role in salvation remain inviolabl...
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