Bishop Roman Casanova Casanova of Vic, Spain, said this week the Sacrament of Reconciliation has a personal as well as a communal dimension, because “my sins also offend the ecclesial community by lessening its vitality and holiness.”

During his reflections for Lent, the bishop noted that confession is “an essential element” for receiving forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  He added that the teaching of the Church is clear that, “unless it is impossible, sincere and complete confession of sins is necessary.”

Bishop Casanova also mentioned the “profound human reasons” for Confession, such as the need of the human person to be listened to.

”The Sacrament of Confession also has this outpouring of fraternal help for the confession of sins and the struggle against sin, which involves us all,” the bishop said.  He underscored that in order to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation, “sincere conversion and the confession of sins” are necessary.