The Osservatore Romano today, July 31, printed an interview with the rector of the College of Vatican Confessors, who happen to be Franciscan priests. In it, the history of the Franciscan ministry of administering the sacrament of Penance in St. Peter’s Basilica is discussed, along with the qualifications of the confessors and a little about their life and work.
I recall so vividly my confession in St. Peter’s, just a few paces from the main altar. My wife and I made a pilgrimage to Rome, and this was one of my “must do” items on the itinerary. The priest to whom I confessed was an American Franciscan, the only American with this ministry in St. Peter’s. It may sound quaint, but in all honesty, the man saw through me and kept me in the confessional for 15 minutes or more. My confession, and his advice, literally turned my life around. I have thanked God for it since.
I would recommend anyone visiting St. Peter’s stop and take the time for the sacrament while you are there. And afterward, linger in the quiet of the transept reserved for penitents, then make your way to the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and kneel before our Eucharistic Lord along with over a hundred people from literally all over the world, all of whom are praying silently.
By the way, the article in the Osservatore is in Italian, but perhaps some of you can read that beautiful language and profit from its contents.
