While reading the book Philothea, a classic of Christian spirituality, a very famous, beautiful, and highly authoritative work, since its author is Saint Francis de Sales, I was struck by the beautiful practice of General Confession. Today it is rarely discussed; it is somewhat out of fashion, but it is a way of thoroughly cleansing one's soul in order to build a life with God.
The Saint discusses it extensively in the first part of the book, in Chapters VI and XIX, explaining in simple words the importance of General Confession and what it is about.
Why is it called “general”?
General Confession means a Confession in which, in agreement with the priest, the penitent examines their conscience and confesses their sins not only since their last Confession, but over a longer period of time: the past year or their entire life. It is like a pit stop in our lives: we stop and review everything.
This type of Confession is generally suggested to people who are beginning a new state of life, such as marriage or consecrated life, or before receiving holy orders (deacons, priests, and bishops). The old Code of Canon Law provided for it, according to the prudent judgment of the confessor, for postulants and those beginning their novitiate. The current code says nothing.
Don Bosco recommended this practice during penitential seasons (Christmas, the Immaculate Conception…), as a little spiritual offering to present to Our Lady during the month of May. Saint Dominic even made a General Confession of his life before twelve friars when he was dying. Saint Ignatius of Loyola, while staying at the sanctuary of Montserrat, prepared his General Confession in writing: it took him three days…
But why confess sins that have already been forgiven?
It should be stated immediately and with the utmost clarity that the sins confessed and absolved in the Confessions we have already made have been forgiven, and we certainly must not doubt that we have received God's forgiveness through absolution. So what is the purpose of General Confession? General Confession is part of the path of ongoing conversion and the constant struggle against sin; it arises from an assessment of the quality of previous Confessions; it is intended to recover old sins that have been forgotten or poorly confessed. In this regard, Saint Francis de Sales explains: «It often happens that the habitual confessions of ordinary Christians are full of shortcomings: for the most part, little or no preparation is made, and the required contrition is lacking; indeed, many times people go to confession with the secret intention of continuing to sin, since they have no intention of avoiding the occasion of sin or taking the necessary steps to amend their lives. In all these cases, General Confession is necessary to shake the soul».
Quite a few faithful confess while remaining in vague spontaneity, confusing sin with malaise, moral guilt with emotional distress, and Confession with talking about oneself. We should also think of sins of omission (the good we could have done but chose not to do), which we often tend to... omit from the list of sins!
Therefore, for those who are pursuing an authentic journey of faith, this practice serves «to give us a shake-up», to rekindle repentance for the evil committed, to foster greater contrition and an act of humility when considering the many sins and the many failures to respond to grace, and to give thanks to God, recognizing that salvation and forgiveness come from him alone.
How should one prepare for General Confession?
One clearly prepares for this Confession with a careful examination of conscience, using the Ten Commandments as a “mirror” for comparison. Reading the Beatitudes is also very useful, as they help with a profound examination of conscience and with revisiting one's life, viewing it through the eyes of God's mercy.
It is also necessary to think back over the confessions one has made, since, as Don Bosco says: «1. For the most part, there are things that have been forgotten, then neglected, and no longer thought about. 2. There are things that are not given much weight, believing that they are not a great evil, but which are in fact true offenses against the Lord. For this reason, they must be recalled, regretted, and confessed».
Everyone can choose their own method, but the important thing is to make a good examination of conscience, because one must always be prepared before going to the confessional.
Moreover, it is important to choose a confessor who is willing to hear this type of Confession because it requires more time and listening on the part of the priest as well.
The effects of General Confession
The effects of this practice are numerous and of great spiritual benefit. According to Saint Francis de Sales, General Confession «helps us to know ourselves, awakens a salutary shame about our past, makes us admire the mercy of God, who has waited for us with such patience; it brings peace to the heart and serenity to the spirit, inspires good resolutions, gives our spiritual father the opportunity to offer us advice more suited to our real situation, and opens our hearts to the trusting simplicity that will make us very sincere in the confessions that follow».
See how many beautiful effects the General Confession has! Would you ever have guessed?
What do you think about the General Confession? Have you made one? What fruits has it borne in your life?
Write it in the comments!
Have a good journey!
