Scottish Catholic Observer

Archbishop Leo Cushley has called upon people to take time out of shopping in the capital to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, with cathedral administrators in Aberdeen and Paisley, echoing his plea.

Figures have revealed that 500,000 people visited ‘Edinburgh’s Christmas’, the centerpiece being the festive market in Princes Street, within the first nine days and Archbishop Cushley believes visiting Catholics should have a ‘clear conscience and a pure heart’ for the birth of Christ.

The archbishop said: “We spend a lot of time preparing for Christmas. Many people across the archdiocese visit Edinburgh to buy gifts and experience the market.

“As Catholics, one of the best things we can do is prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. A trip to Confession is a lovely way to do that so we are able to welcome the Lord with a clear conscience and a pure heart when the time comes.”

Repentance

St Mary’s Cathedral is ideally placed for shoppers, being based on Broughton Street at the top of Leith Walk, next to John Lewis.

Fr Keith Herrera, administrator of St Mary’s Cathedral Aberdeen, is also welcoming Catholics in preparation of Jesus, stating that ‘if we want to prepare for Christmas, we’ve got to begin with repentance.’

Fr Herrera said: “Renewal never starts without repentance, asking for forgiveness of God, changes everything.

“If we want to prepare for Christmas and the end of time, we’ve got to begin with repentance. If we want to prepare for the Lord’s coming today, it begins with repentance.”

Presence of Christmas

Fr Herrera added that Catholics shouldn’t be fearful about returning to confession and that a trip to Church during Advent reminds us about the ‘presence’ of Christmas.

“Catholics should combine their shopping with a trip to confession because I guess it’s a good reminder of what they’re shopping for,” said Fr Herrera.

“We can get caught up in the externals of Christmas. Popping into the Church is a reminder of what Christmas is about, not about the presents but about the presence.

“For me, when I hear confession, it’s a joy, because I’m meeting people who want to live as Jesus is calling them to live. Yes, they are struggling, but they’re bringing these struggles to God and asking for Him.

“It’s not [as it was] in the past, pointing of the finger doesn’t happen as much.

“Coming to confession is coming back to encounter the word of God and that’s a beautiful thing, and people go away with the load lifted off their shoulders, new peace and joy.”

‘God is always there for you’

In Paisley, Canon Oliver Freney, administrator of St Mirin’s Cathedral also agreed that shoppers could integrate Confession into their Christmas.

He told the SCO he would ‘encourage Confession at all times,’ and that the upcoming parish day of Confessions at his church ‘will be quite a busy day.’

He added: “Confession is preparating yourself as you’re getting ready to welcome the Christ child into your life.

“People are more than welcome to come back. God is always there for you. There’s no need to feel nervous about God’s love and Mercy.”

Closer to God

Canon Gerald Sharkey, administrator of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Glasgow, also spoke of the importance of Confession during advent.

He said: “Confession is a great way to put the past behind us and look forward confidently with hope at this time of year and a wonderful way to prepare for the coming of Christ.

“Although some people find Confession difficult, there’s no need to worry – the priest will assist you if you don’t know what to say and will be only too glad to welcome you back and bring you closer to the Lord.”

“With our frequent times for Confession, it’s easy to combine your Christmas shopping with a quick visit to the Cathedral for the Sacrament of Confession in these last days of Advent.”

Confession times

St Mirin’s Cathedral will hold a day of Confessions on December 20 from 9am to 9pm.

St Mary’s Cathedral in Aberdeen will hold their reconciliation service on December 18 from 7pm and Confessions are available throughout the week.

St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh holds Confessions on weekdays after 12.45pm Mass and from 5pm to 6pm.

St Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow is to host a day of Confessions on Thursday December 19 from 7.45Am to 5.45PM, and will also take place intermittently in the days that follow.

On Saturday it is available from 10.30am to midday and from 5pm to 5.45pm.