Pope Francis Encourages Students on the Importance of Penitence and Trust in God
On the morning of March 8, Pope Francis met with all the students who participated in the 34th course on the internal field of conscience in the Vatican. During the meeting, he emphasized the significance of the sacrament of penance and highlighted the three attitudes that a penitent should have: repentance before God, trust in Him, and the determination not to sin again.
The Pope stressed that repentance should stem from an awareness of our humble misery before God’s infinite love and mercy. He reminded the students that asking for forgiveness and reforming ourselves is a continuous process, as God never tires of forgiving us. Love for God should inspire all other forms of love, including love for humanity and creation.
Additionally, Pope Francis noted that resolving not to sin again should be seen as an ambition rather than a promise. He explained that none of us can guarantee that we will never sin again, but with humility and divine help, we can strive to avoid wrongdoing. The Pope also highlighted the importance of the penitent’s prayer for mercy, emphasizing that God’s name is synonymous with mercy.
In closing, Pope Francis reminded the students that in every act of mercy and love, the face of God is revealed. He encouraged them to treat each sacrament of penance as a unique moment of grace and to approach forgiveness with the love of a father and the tenderness of a mother.
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