Vatican City: Bishop Krzysztof Józef Nykiel, Regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, has encouraged Catholics to approach Confession as an encounter with God's mercy rather than a place of judgement, stressing that the Sacrament of Reconciliation should lead to conversion, renewed hope and a willingness to make amends.
He shared the message at the conclusion of a two day formation seminar held in Rome on October 23 and 24, which focused on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The 2026 seminar explored the theme “Contritio cordis,” meaning contrition of the heart, examining its biblical, theological and spiritual foundations.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Nykiel explained that the seminar was organised to provide an opportunity for formation and help participants rediscover the importance of the sacrament in Christian life. He expressed hope that the discussions would encourage reflection, spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of the sacrament's power to bring people closer to God.
The bishop placed particular emphasis on contrition, describing it not as overwhelming guilt or endless self examination, but as an encounter between human weakness and God's abundant mercy. Recognising one's failings, he explained, should open the way to forgiveness and transformation rather than leave a person trapped in shame.
The seminar brought together biblical, spiritual, psychological, personal and pastoral perspectives on the journey of conversion. These approaches highlighted the importance of understanding sin honestly while remaining open to God's mercy and the possibility of beginning again.
Bishop Nykiel also offered four practical guidelines to help Catholics prepare for Confession and live out its effects in their daily lives.
The first is to begin with love rather than a list of failures. He encouraged people to examine their conscience by reflecting on God's mercy and the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, instead of approaching the sacrament through fear or self condemnation.
The second guideline is to acknowledge sin honestly. Rather than remaining focused on a general feeling of guilt, Catholics should recognise their wrongdoing clearly and take responsibility for it. This honesty is an important step towards genuine conversion.
The third is to make amends and allow the sacrament to produce lasting changes. Bishop Nykiel stressed that Confession does not end when absolution is given. True contrition should also influence how people treat others, repair harm and contribute positively to their families and communities.
His fourth guideline is to maintain a lasting awareness of one's actions and their consequences. Contrition should not be a temporary emotion that disappears after Confession. Instead, it should encourage a heart that remains receptive to God's Word, avoids judging others and is prepared to begin again with hope each day.
Concluding the seminar, Bishop Nykiel said God does not want people to remain crushed by shame or become hardened by their failures. Rather, he wants them to face the truth about themselves, accept the transforming power of love and allow grace to renew their lives.
He expressed hope that the seminar would help people rediscover the confessional as a place of celebration and resurrection rather than judgement, where forgiveness offers a path towards renewed life and a deeper relationship with God.