PARISH MISSIONS: SUCCESS OF THE CONFESSION MINISTRY BECAUSE IT WAS DONE UNDER THE SIGN OF THE CROSS

It was always Christ the Saviour who was the focal point for Eugene and the missionaries, as was underlined by their use of their Oblate crucifix in confession that they placed in the hands of the penitent.

It is useful to the priest in the confessional and, on the day of absolution, it helps the penitent, in whose hands we place it, to conceive sorrow for his sins, to detest them and even to weep because of them. It must be acknowledged that what we have experienced has at all times been accepted because in other Catholic countries all missionaries carry it as a sign of authority for their missions.

Letter to Forbin-Janson, 9 October 1816, O.W. VI n. 14

Suzanne gave a description of this during the Aix mission:

In fact, I wish that all who live in our city of obstinate skeptics, all the hardened sinners who continue to refuse the pressing invitations from the Lord, had witnessed the edifying spectacle presented by the Church of the Missionaries of Provence on the eve of the General Communion. The spacious choir of this church was never empty throughout the day. Men who came with fervent zeal, to kneel before the ministers of Jesus Christ to receive the absolution for their sins, which they had desired for so long. Caringly ministered to by the holy priests who invited them to experience sorrow and love, many were seen shedding tears of sorrow as they, kissed the crucifix of the Savior that they had in their hands. Then they knelt before the holy altar to worship in silence and in deepest reverence, the Majesty of God they had offended. Some even raised their hands in supplication to Heaven, and said aloud, “No, Lord, never again! Never again!” I heard many congratulating themselves on the way out, that their conscience, only recently awakened, finally experienced the happiness of peace and tranquility, and they enjoyed the happiness they had vainly looked for in the world and its pleasures”

Marius Suzanne, « Quelques lettres sur la mission d’Aix », p 21-22.

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