March 17, 2012. (Romereports.com) Cardinal Manuel Monteiro de Castro serves as the so called Major Penitentiary. That means he leads the Vatican's
Apostolic Penitentiary, which deals with grave sins only the Pope can forgive. Recently he organized a five day course, so that hundreds of priests and seminarians could learn more about that Sacrament.
Cardinal Manuel Monteiro de Castro serves as the so called Major Penitentiary. That means he leads the Vatican's Apostolic Penitentiary, which deals with grave sins only the Pope can forgive. Recently he organized a five day course, so that hundreds of priests and seminarians could learn more about that Sacrament.
Card. Manuel Monteiro de Castro
Major Penitentiary
“The main goal is to help them, to train them well so they can administer Confession. That way they're ready for the challenges ahead. And if they find themselves in a difficult situation, they can always come to us.”
The Cardinal says the purpose of this course is to improve the training priests receive when administering Confession. Above all, the course deals with how to help people.
Card. Manuel Monteiro de Castro
Major Penitentiary
“They receive a psychological preparation at the seminary, where they also study philosophy and other subjects. Here, they study practical cases as well, like how the priest can welcome people and give them their full attention. Also, letting people speak without major interruptions, as they guide them through a spiritual path.”
The course took place at the Vatican's Palace of Apostolic Penitentiary and in the background there's a replica of Rembrandt's famous painting “The Prodigal Son.” In a way, it’s a symbolic illustration of the Apostolic Penitentiary and its purpose.
Card. Manuel Monteiro de Castro
Major Penitentiary
“That's why it's called 'The Tribunal of Apostolic Penitentiary.' It's a tribunal because it judges. Penitentiary because it deals with penance and Apostolic because the Lord has told us to forgive, therefore it does just that.”
So far thousands of priests have gone through this course. Afterward, they return to their dioceses and parishes with new ideas to help Catholics who reach out to God and ask for forgiveness.
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