In a ceremony called, the Amende-Honorable, the missionaries invited people to a reflection on conversion and reparation. In the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, they made an act of reparation for all the lack of respect and profanations against God during the abuses of the French Revolution and the desecration of countless churches.
In relating the Amende-Honorable which took place in the mission of Aix, Marius Suzanne described the richly-adorned altar, on which the Blessed Sacrament was placed, and how a missionary in a loud voice cried out, “Lord, forgive these people.” Everyone present responded aloud, “forgive us, forgive us.” In this emotion-charged atmosphere the hearts of many were touched, and he related how the numbers waiting for confession increased as a result. (M. SUZANNE, Quelques lettres sur la mission d’Aix, p. 8-9.)
This ceremony came into prominence during the time of Restoration after the Revolution, and Eugene referred to this action on several occasions. I quote one example of this, held with the members of his youth congregation where the leader of the youth, known as the Prefect, led it:
While holding a candle he made aloud the act of reparation to the Blessed Sacrament for all the outrages received by our Lord, and those he still continues to receive from so many ungodly persons, heretics and bad Catholics. In particular he did it for any faults with which the members of the youth congregation reproach themselves and in whose name the Prefect pronounced this solemn act of reparation.
Diary of the Aix Christian Youth Congregation, 4 June 1815, O.W. XVI
As we have seen with these rituals, they spoke to a specific era. Yet they are human and touch the core of our reality.
What jumps out to me is that this sounds like “truth and reconciliation” with in Eugene’s context. How is it happening in you countries.
Here in Canada we are experiencing the on going sharing of experiences with the First Nations Communities of Canada and many for the first time in the dominant culture are hearing of events of abuse and those that have debased a people. In telling the story, in sentiment of sorrow and acts of “reparation”, light of hope are coming forth.
I know in Sri Lanka, Oswald is in the beginning and in the midst of this journey. Our prayers are with you and all. Jack,omi