Rome, Italy, Oct 14, 2008 / 16:49 pm
During the Synod of Bishops this week, Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, encouraged the recovery of the Sacrament of Reconciliation because it has become increasingly less common among the faithful.
According to the L’ Osservatore Romano, Cardinal Bertone explained that “it is important that the confessor feels responsible for inviting the penitent to read Sacred Scripture” and that “he assumes this effort. ¨ ¨Perhaps the Synod could make a specific invitation in this regard.”
Cardinal Bertone described what using Scripture in Confession could look like, saying, “The Word of God enlightens the faithful to know their sins, calls them to conversion and infuses in them faith in the mercy of God. Then, if opportune, the priest or the penitent himself, reads a text from Sacred Scripture. The reading can take place as well during preparation for the Sacrament (in addition to the examination of conscience).”
“The readings of the day could also be suggested, or some verses that speak of the mercy of God could be recited from memory or that invite the person to do penance and be converted,” the cardinal said.