The Goodness of a Confessor

The second meditation of Fr. Francesco Piccone about why priest should give good
example leaves a special lesson and knowledge to all of us. A confessor’s endowments each have
a special purpose and special reason to be possessed. Having read this meditation, I have realized
that goodness, not only of a confessor but of a person, is not easy to take into action because it is
also a way of practicing values and virtues for the common good of the faithful.

I am more than glad that I have learned that good example is an excellent way of
practicing charity. Good example acts as a silent instruction to lead and guide the people toward
the Lord and originates from the whole complex of one’s actions. Therefore, as the confessor
exhibits goodness in his being, he is directing the people to the way and path of the Lord and
influences them to do the same actions. Through the goodness of the confessor, he will be able to
understand the different situations of his penitents. I have also comprehend that the love and
preference of God is not enough if the confessor does not keep the sacred fire of charity in his
heart

In having goodness, the priests or the confessors should enlighten every faithful using
their own good example and prevent them from any immoral works using their own speech.
These helped me grasped the notion that the confessor or the priest also aid the people in their
every action by sharing their examples inspired by the Word of God.

Being irreproachable is also a characteristic of goodness of priests or confessors which

prevent their enemies from finding fault in their well-being. This idea made me think that it is
really true that goodness inspired by God is a great instrument and weapon against evil.

These lessons and realizations that I have acquired most through the said meditation is a
great way of knowing that we, the lay community, can also do good things to others. In able to
live out these messages, I will strive to give help to the needy, the sorrowed and the troubled by
giving them the material things that they lack and will even offer them prayers. Moreover,
forgiving and understanding my friends and even my enemies is also a great way to influence
them to do good examples to others and do the same. And lastly, I will do my best to share the
knowledge of the Word of God that will make other people realized and comprehend the
importance of God in our lives.
 Confessor’s
Goodness Prudence
Endowments

 The confessor  Most preferred

should be in the because it is where
Knowledge
state of grace. people often failed
 Irreprehensible  The confessor must
 Exemplar in his be holy
conduct  The more dedicated,
 Ready to make Mediocre Eminent the more prudent
sacrifices Knowledge Knowledge  Choose the practical
 Goodness must be side and judge the
impregnated with penitent with faith
prayer and with  Prudence helps to
mortification distinguish which is
The confessor The confessor
a sin and which is
knows how to can answer all
necessary to
study, evaluate cases
spiritual health.
and to solve spontaneously.
simple and less
difficult cases

Sufficient knowledge in moral theology

will help the confessor to judge and
decide over cases on the spot.

Frequent Prayer: Any and every action should be preceded by prayer.

Spiritual Exercises: It will be greatly advantageous and can be done

either alone, in a religious house or in church