New Book Provides Reasons for Confession and Prepares Souls to Receive this Healing Sacrament

Very Rev. Canon Héctor R.G. Pérez, S.T.D., C.S.L.J. The Sacrament of Confession. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Paperback $12.95. eBook $9.99. 96 pages. Available from the publisher.

Finally, here is a Confession guide for our times. In The Sacrament of Confession, Very Rev. Héctor R.G. Pérez, S.T.D., C.S.L.J. highlights the innumerable advantages of frequent Confession and reparation. This new little manual offers a free, efficacious solution to numerous personal afflictions.

“In keeping away from Confession a person foregoes a necessary means of salvation and healing,” Fr. Pérez relates. “Ven. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would decry the millions of dollars spent by people on psychologists when a good, thorough confession would have been more efficacious. And free!”

Fr. Pérez, a Canon of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, lays out why Confession is imperative for spiritual growth. He unpacks how to receive the most grace through Confession and ways to best prepare for the sacrament. Readers will also learn how to fight against sin and obtain indulgences.

Additionally, he explains the difference between mortal and venial sins. “It [mortal sin] destroys the life of God, the life of sanctifying grace, within our souls! It is tantamount to us telling God to get out of our souls and slamming the door on His face!” This is why, Fr. Pérez shares, it is crucial to confess a mortal sin as soon as possible.

With everyday language and examples, Fr. Pérez relates the graces that await us in Confession, explains important points to consider before entering the Confessional, and how to receive the Sacrament of Confession. He provides a thorough examination of conscience with questions and explanations that are relevant for our times, based on the Ten Commandments and traditional teaching.

Also featured are prayers to help us prepare for Confession, and to be said during and after Confession. Additionally, there is a reflection from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Catechism of Trent on “How to Make a Thorough Confession.” Further resources are included such as lists of the precepts of the Church, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, the beatitudes, and the theological and cardinal virtues.

“Our God is so kind and considerate of us and our nature with all its foibles that He has not left a stone unturned to make sure we are afforded every means of salvation!,” added Fr. Pérez.

Most significantly, The Sacrament of Confession conveys how to foster a greater love of God in our hearts and guides us in developing perfect contrition for our sins.

Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of The Sacrament of Confession, and/or to schedule an interview.