New Book Looks at Confession as Spiritual Tune-Up with God
"101 Inspirational Stories of the Sacrament of Reconciliation" looks at confession as a way for all people to increase their spirituality; not just people of the Catholic faith. The book shares powerful stories of spiritual healing, achieved through facing problems, obstacles and difficulties with greater understanding and acceptance.
Spokane, WA (PRWEB) February 27, 2007 -- "101 Inspirational Stories of the Sacrament of Reconciliation" looks at confession as a way for all people to increase their spirituality; not just people of the Catholic faith. The book shares powerful stories of spiritual healing, achieved through facing problems, obstacles and difficulties with greater understanding and acceptance.
According to the author, Sister Patricia Proctor, O.S.C., "Making a good confession is all about looking within to find the answers that are bothering you. It removes the blocks and obstacles that are holding you back from a joyous life and gives you the graces and power to take positive, spiritual steps forward."
The universal concept of seeking spirituality is a common thread in all religions. Many scholars believe we are now witnessing a spiritual awakening and a searching for truth. In fact, in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual used by mental health professionals and insurance companies to diagnose and calculate the cost of treating mental disorders, there is a new category: spiritual emergencies. This condition describes someone who needs to be assisted with philosophical problems of meaning and identity rather than medication and hospitalization. Once the patients' spiritual needs are met, they have a rapid and complete recovery of their presenting symptoms.
Confession can be looked at as something that helps people handle their lives better, and increases their spirituality. Preparing for the Sacrament gives people the opportunity to look within, for a spiritual tune-up, analyzing their relationship with God.
"Whenever we celebrate the Sacrament with our confessor, we must take time aside beforehand to assess the condition of our soul. We must ask ourselves, in truth and integrity: For what do I need to be forgiven? This time we spend in the examination of our conscience is truly a time of honesty, grace, and blessing," said Most Reverend William S. Skylstad, Bishop of Spokane, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
"101 Inspirational Stories of the Sacrament of Reconciliation" helps Catholics get out of the fear of going to confession or in the case of non-Catholics, to get over the fear of being truly honest with God and not being afraid to ask for his forgiveness.
"When you are properly prepared for this Sacrament, not only will you find joy in going to confession, you will see definite, concrete results when you do go. Your relationships with others will improve dramatically. The most exciting thing that will happen is that God will become your closest friend, your strongest defender, and your greatest support," said Sister Patricia Proctor.
To purchase a copy of "101 Inspirational Stories of the Sacrament of Reconciliation," please go to http://www.confession101.com.
About Sister Patricia Proctor:
Radio talk show host, best selling author, entrepreneur and cloistered nun - all this from inside a monastery? Only in the 21st century. Sister Patricia Proctor, is a Poor Clare sister who lives with her five other sisters, her parrot named Pi, four Koi (big goldfish) and a dog named Shelly and a cat named Jeremiah in a quiet monastery in the middle of a quiet city, Spokane, Washington.
Sister was born in Texas but raised in the Northwest for most of her life. After spending four years in the Navy, and a bit of college she entered religious life. Entering the so called "hidden life" she has now come very much into the public and is a vibrant witness of authentic Catholic living at its best. Is she unusual or is there more to contemplative life than we know?
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