... the sacrament is not a cure for a pathological condition ...

"Bless Me, Father ..."

By Father Frank Moan, S.J.

A seasoned combat veteran of 53 years as a confessor ...

"Sin damages an individual's personality ..."


Snippets from Father Moan's article in the Jesuit magazine, America. Monday, April 4, 2011.


"Of course, those who are poor cannot afford a psychiatrist or even a pastoral counselor.

"So they may choose to tell their pathologies to a priest.

"Is that confession?

"This may take place in the context of the sacrament, but still the sacrament is not a cure for a pathological condition.


"The Damage Done


"Pathologies aside, sin damages an individual personality.

"I have learned from the confessional that despite the laws and freedoms guaranteed by the society in which we live, those who obtain an abortion or persuade a woman to have an abortion or do nothing to prevent an abortion they know is about to take place are often scarred for life.

"Even in today's liberal society, sexual activity outside of marriage often leaves irreparable damage on one or both of the participants.

"Habits of stealing or gambling and addictions to alcohol or drugs can mitigate individual responsibility for a sinful act, but the scars are already there and the road to a cure is long and painful..."


Now he addresses the "worst offenses!"


"The worst offenses, however, are those against the basic law of charity.

"Few persons realize how destructive offenses against charity are.

"A penitent who cannot or will not shed animosity toward another individual because of a long - ago unresolved hurt multiplies that animosity, knowingly or not in other relationships ..."

Good points, Padre! :)