Although it has been a while since my supernatural encounter with Jesus in the confessional, I feel compelled by Holy Spirit to share that experience with you. This encounter was so real, I can never forget and it changed my life forever regarding the sacrament of Reconciliation.

I mentioned that I became Catholic because I thought it was the best way to find favor with God. Regretfully, on that special day of my Baptism, 1^st Holy Communion, and Confirmation (April 11^th, 1997), I did not understand the supernatural graces that I had received. I did not know that through my Baptism, I became a family member of Father God and that all my sins were forgiven. I did not know that the Eucharist was food for my soul meant to sustain my spirit, and I did not know that through Confirmation, Holy Spirit became my best friend.  

The story about the prodigal son Luke 15:11-32 never fails to move me, because like the younger son, I lost my way … I had squandered all my blessings … I had to come to my senses and find my way back to Father God. But I was afraid and I did not know what to do, so I ran to Mother Mary for comfort. Like every loving mother, she wrapped her arms around me, wiped my tears, and prepared me to meet her son, Jesus Christ, through the sacrament of Reconciliation.    

I recall having the most difficult time going to my first sacrament of Reconciliation. Because I was an adult, I struggled with feelings of pride, doubt, disbelief, and fear. I did not fully believe that I needed to repent of my sins, especially to a priest who is mere man. My greatest fear was that after I had confessed my sins, the priest would bring shame upon me in front of the whole church congregation. I feared that I would be hated, shunned, and possibly imprisoned. Without a doubt, the evil one was trying hard to prevent me from receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation.

One afternoon, I finally gathered the courage to go to confession. I sat in the back of the church, not knowing where to go or what to do. Suddenly I looked up, and there I saw the 13^th Station of the Cross plaque, which depicts the body of Jesus Christ being taken down from the cross and placed lovingly into the arms of Mother Mary. My best friend, Holy Spirit, directed me to say this prayer: “Receive me into your arms, O most Sorrowful Mother, and obtain for me a perfect contrition for my sins.” Immediately, I felt the presence of Mother Mary. She accompanied me on my walk to the confessional and ushered me through the door. As I closed the door, I sensed a palpable presence and I wondered where I was. I felt as if I was in a huge auditorium because I could hear echoing in the background. Then, I heard heavy prison gates close shut and a force pushed me down onto my knees with a thud. My heart was pounding hard and I felt bewildered; for a brief moment I thought that my worst fears had come to pass and I had actually been imprisoned. Then I heard the priest in the distance encouraging me to begin my confession. After I had confessed my sins, while still in a daze, I vaguely heard the priest suggest that I seek help and speak to someone. That night, as I lay in bed, I cried out from my heart: “Who must I speak to … who can help me?” Then, distinctly and clearly, I heard a voice say, “Come to Me my child; I can help you.”

This encounter has forever changed me. I experienced God’s presence and I heard His voice. Now I embrace the sacrament of Reconciliation every month, and I thank Jesus Christ for our wonderful priests who, in persona Christi, are visible signs of His merciful love. I also thank Jesus Christ for Blessed Mother Mary, my constant mediator who never fails in directing my path back to Father God.