Can you imagine having to make a public confession in front of all your loved ones? Picture yourself having to share your sins with complete strangers! Talk about shame and embarrassment! The privacy of the Sacrament of Reconciliation wasn't always there. How did it become this way? 

Fr. Richard Simon explains that in the early Church, confession was a public affair. People confessed their sins in front of the entire congregation, particularly for grave sins like adultery, idolatry, or murder. This public acknowledgment was followed by a lengthy public penance, often including exclusion from communion for extended periods.

Fr. Simon notes that the shift towards individual confessions began after the persecutions ended and more people sought to rejoin the Church. The need for a more convenient process led to the practice of private confessions with a priest, a practice that started to take shape around 350-400 AD. He also mentions that the practice of confession evolved over time, citing an example of old European confessionals with grills that provided separation between the priest and the female penitent. For male penitents, however, it was more of a face-to-face confession.

Can you imagine having to make a public confession in front of all your loved ones? Picture yourself having to share your sins with complete strangers! Talk about shame and embarrassment! The privacy of the Sacrament of Reconciliation wasn't always there. How did it become this way? 
Fr. Richard Simon explains that in the early Church, confession was a public affair. People confessed their sins in front of the entire congregation, particularly for grave sins like adultery, idolatry, or murder. This public acknowledgment was followed by a lengthy public penance, often including exclusion from communion for extended periods.
Fr. Simon notes that the shift towards individual confessions began after the persecutions ended and more people sought to rejoin the Church. The need for a more convenient process led to the practice of private confessions with a priest, a practice that started to take shape around 350-400 AD. He also mentions that the practice of confession evolved over time, citing an example of old European confessionals with grills that provided separation between the priest and the female penitent. For male penitents, however, it was more of a face-to-face confession.

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Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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