Modern society, denying sin, feels greater guilt, Pope remarks

March 16, 2009

In modern society, as the sense of sin is lost, "so unfortunately the sense of guilt increases," observed Pope Benedict XVI in a message made public March 14. The Pope's message, which was delivered to participants in a conference on the "internal forum," organized by the Apostolic Penitentiary, underlined the need for priests form the faithful in a way that "stimulates consciences to better perceive the sense of sin, which today has become somewhat faded." This can be done, the Pontiff said, through preaching, spiritual direction, and especially through the sacrament of Penance. When people lose the sense of sin, the Pope said, they feel a greater burden of guilt, which they struggle unsuccessfully to ease by other means.

 

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Further information:

• Ministers of Penance and educators of conscience (VIS)