Feb 8, 2009

Making & becoming a saint by frequent Confessions.


St. John Bosco's method of going to Confessions frequently has produced 29 official saints.  So, I decided to make it a family routine to go every Saturday.  My nine year old has become more docile and my wife more collaborative.  One can go even if one has no grave sins.  It is beneficial because of the grace that the sacrament provides.

From a parenting aspect, it makes it easier because the children are now conscious about obeying God's laws.  St. John Bosco said, "Our words become God's words."  And the kids will be trained to do good all the time whether others see them or not because God always sees them.

It was also hard to start.  The kids were saying how boring it will be & the wife is wondering why I needed to go.  But after the first time, I got my wife to support it and my kids don't find it that bad. And why would it be that bad, God is there.

Frequent confession is a technique given by God to St. John Bosco through visions.  It was a revolutionary idea back in the 19th century but as history shows, it works.

(Picture:  Saturday night family event - Confessions )

6 comments:

Most Rev. Gregori said...

Rick, Thank you very much for following my blog: "Let The Truth Be Known".

Just out of curiosity, have you ever considered Orthodoxy? We do allow married priests.

I was raised Roman Catholic until the age of 14, when I became interested in the Orthodox Church. I entered an Orthodox monastery after graduating from High School. Six months later our entire monastic community went to Vietnam (at the height of the war) to do missionary work with refugees and orphans. After four years we returned to the U.S. and I left monastery for two years and married. I then returned as part-time student to finish my studies. I was ordained a deacon in 1981 and a priest in 1983. In 1996 I was elevated to Archimandrite and consecrated a bishop this past November 1st.

I am also the father of four adopted sons, three from Vietnam and one from Laos (all grown now) and I am a grandfather of eight, six grandsons and two granddaughters.

I believe that the Lord has blessed me far and above what I deserve.

Confession is good for the soul and frequent confession tends to keep us on our toes so to speak. Also, you have your children on the right path. As the Bible says; "Train up a child in the path they should go, and they will not depart from it."

May you and your family walk with the Lord always.

Rick said...

I've considered rites that are in communion with Rome.

Most Rev. Gregori said...

Rick,
Perhaps you may know the answer to this question; has the Vatican changed their rules about Rites?

Actually my particular question is that when I was a child, I was raised Roman Catholic -Latin Rite. When I made the decision to become a priest, I asked to enter an Eastern Rite Seminary with the hope of becoming a Melkite Rite priest (as I am part Lebanese on my father's side).

My request was denied on the grounds that I had to be ordained in the Rite of my father, who was Latin Rite. Has this rule changed over the years?

Gina said...

Good blog Rick.
I think your idea of weekly confession is fantastic.
You sound like a good role model, and if any of your children later stray, their upbringing will have an imprint on them, as you set good examples.
Regina

Rick said...

Thank you Regina. You addressed one of the things that keep me up at night i.e. what if my kids go astray. I partner with the Lord, so that gives me some assurance.

And I do appreciate your kind words about being a role model. I'll remember them to reinforce my efforts.

God bless.

Rick said...

Most Rev. Gregori: Let me get back with you on your question. I do not know off the top of my head, but I'll find out. (It's quite a coincidence, as I looked up the various Catholic rites this morning.)

Popular Posts

Blog Archive