Book Reviews and More: Confession Advice and Encouragement from Pope Benedict XVI

Wednesday, 15 April 2020

Confession Advice and Encouragement from Pope Benedict XVI - Fr Donncha Ó hAodha

Confession Advice and Encouragement from Pope Benedict XVI
Fr Donncha Ó hAodha (Editor)
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860827952
CTS Booklet Do857

I love reading books by and about Pope Benedict XVI. Some of my favorite reads over the last few years have been these types of books. And that this is another title from the Catholic Truth Society that I tracked down only makes it better. Over the last few years I have read over 100 books from the Catholic Truth Society. And it seems with every book I finish; I find two or three more that I want to read. I have read one book by Father Donncha Ó hAodha, and there are a few others I wish to read. This book was edited and compiled by him from the writings, talks and addresses of Pope Benedict XVI. The first six quotes in this volume are from Saint Pope John Paul II, and there are over 100 quotes from the works of Benedict XVI.

The description of this book is:

“For many today, Confession is a misunderstood part of the Catholic Faith. Some people do not see the need to ask for forgiveness, while others so not know why they should go to a priest: "Why can't it just be between me and God?"

But the sacrament of Confession is one that needs to be re-discovered. In this booklet, frequently-asked questions on confession are posed, with answers drawn from the teachings of the Holy Father: why the Sacrament matters, what its roots are in Holy scripture and Church teaching, and what good it can do for an individual person as well as for society as a whole.”

Often when I am asked about how serious I am regarding my Catholic faith I tell people the three most important aspects to me. The real presence in the eucharist, the communion of saints, and the sacrament of reconciliation or going to confession. It took me a while to track down a copy of this book. And though I typically do not keep help of physical books after I read them. This is one that is going on my ‘to keep’ shelf.

The chapters in this little volume are:
The source of purification and holiness
The Sacrament of Confession
Going to Confession
The Sacrament of Confession and Evangelization
Endnotes.

There are total of 108 endnotes. The end notes from Benedict Xvi span from 2005 to 20111. And this book was published as a guide and resource for the Year of Faith 2012-2013.

the book begins with these words:

“Benedict XVI repeatedly invites us to ‘rediscover’ the Sacrament of Confession as the powerful source of purification and holiness which it truly is. In his characteristically encouraging style, the Holy Father presents the Sacrament of Reconciliation to all the faithful as a treasure to be loved and cherished ever anew. This sacrament of healing brings the hope and joy we all so deeply need.”

This was an incredible little volume to read. And it is a book I will treasure. There are so many gems of wisdom contained. And the book flows and is engaging. Once I got going, I could hardly put the book down. It is another excellent read from the Catholic Truth Society!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Books by Benedict XVI: