Fr. Wade Menezes: 9 Chief Benefits of Confession

This essay was adapted from Father Wade Menezes’ book Overcoming the Evil Within: The Reality of Sin and the Transforming Power of God’s Grace and Mercy.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Sacrament of Confession is given several other important names that convey its very nature and the benefits received by the person who avails himself of this sacrament. In CCC 1423-1424, Confession is beautifully and rightly referred to as the Sacrament of Conversion, the Sacrament of Penance, the Sacrament of Forgiveness and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

These five titles should tell us something about the magnificent “scope” of this sacrament and its aid to the human soul, human life and the spiritual life. In this regard, it’s worth remembering, too, that the Sacrament of Confession is one of only two sacraments that can be received both repeatedly and frequently (the Sacrament of the Eucharist being the other). Why is this? Because these two sacraments sustain us in our daily journey through life — regardless of one’s vocation and state in life. ….