As the Penitent, so the Confessor

REV. MR. LUKE POWERS ‘21, DIOCESE OF MADISON

There is a saying in the seminary: “As the seminarian, so the priest.” While I have thought about this phrase many times during my years in formation, it has recently taken on a new light. In this final year before priesthood, I have begun practicing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Of all sacraments we practice in the seminary, this one may be the most daunting. There is a rite, or rubrics, to follow in each sacrament, but in Confession there is another variable present—namely, the penitent. This may seem obvious, but the only person I have ever heard confess is myself! I have my own particular way of approaching our Lord to receive his mercy, and so does every other person. To be invited, even called, to bring the love and mercy of the Trinity to the penitent is a great gift. This call I do not take lightly; rather, I desire to approach every penitent in the same manner that Christ himself does.

The life a man is living in seminary will greatly reflect his life in priesthood, and I believe that the way a seminarian approaches our Lord in confession will be revealed in who he is The life a man is living in seminary as a confessor. will greatly reflect his life in priesthood, and I believe that the way a seminarian approaches our Lord in confession will be revealed in who he is as a confessor. If I want the People of God to run into the arms of our Lord, then I must run with them. Approaching Reconciliation in this context has helped me move beyond just my own needs to see this sacrament as an even greater gift, one that brings restoration to the Body of Christ.

Pope Francis goes to Confession during a Penitential Service at St. Peter's Basilica on March 28, 2014 before hearing confessions himself. Foto ©Vatican Media It is truly humbling to see priests go to confession before they themselves step into the confessional. I have seen this most profoundly here in Rome when our own Holy Father Pope Francis publicly received this Sacrament of Penance in Saint Peter’s Basilica. I hope to imitate the Holy Father in serving as a bridge of compassion for our people and not a wall blocking God’s grace. n

ROMAN ECHOES 25TH YEAR

NAC FACTS

The third floor of the College’s tower, which was completed in 2015, contains four practice chapels where fourth year deacons can practice celebrating the Mass. The practice chapels look much like a regular chapel and contain an altar, ambo, and all of the vessels needed for Mass. What sets these rooms apart are the mirrors on the back wall, which allow for the deacon to see himself as he is doing the gestures required by the rubrics of the Roman Missal. Students log in early in the morning for a Zoom seminar.