“The Light is On For You” returns for the third year in row this Lent throughout the Diocese of Venice. The primary purpose of “The Light is On For You” campaign is to encourage Catholics to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Each week, priests in every parish of the Diocese will be available to hear Confessions from 5-7 p.m. on Fridays and 9-11 a.m. on Saturdays.
Extending the hours and availability of the Sacrament will allow everyone easy access to God’s mercy and grace available at Reconciliation. The success of the campaign is evident from the response of people who have admitted not availing themselves of the Sacrament in many years.
The campaign began in 2012 with huge success as many people took time to participate in the Sacrament. Bishop Frank J. Dewane noted that many people view the idea of confessing one’s sins as so unbearable that they either completely avoid the Sacrament.
“It is heartbreaking to hear stories from those who have avoided confession for many years after carrying around a burden,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is heartwarming to talk to people of all ages who go to confession and are relieved and overjoyed at the benefits. Some even scold themselves for missing such a beautiful Sacrament for so long.”
Pope Francis said he goes to confession every two weeks, knowing that God never tires of forgiving those who repent, but also knowing that having a priest say “I absolve you” reinforces belief in God’s Mercy. Pope Francis said he knows some people are embarrassed to confess their sins to a priest, but noted that it is the best path to spiritual healing and health.
In a world often dominated by “individualism and subjectivism,” the Holy Father said, many people — including many Catholics — say that God will forgive their sins and they have no need of the Sacrament of Confession and the ministry of a priest.
“Certainly, God forgives every repentant sinner, but the Christian is bound to Christ and Christ is united to His Church,” Pope Francis continued. “God, in His sovereign mercy, forgives everyone, but He wanted those who belong to Christ and His Church to receive forgiveness through the community’s ministers… My confessor hears what I say, offers me advice and forgives me. We all need this.”
Through the presence and words of a priest, Pope Francis added, penitents have “the certainty of forgiveness in the name of the Church.”
This Lent, all Catholics in the Diocese of Venice are encouraged to receive forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
For further information regarding “The Light is On For You,” please contact the Office of Evangelization at 941-484-9543 or email evangelization@dioceseofvenice.org.