My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In his 2010 Pope Benedict XVI begins his Lenten message with the great theme of justice, beginning from the Pauline affirmation: “The justice of God has been manifested through faith in Jesus Christ” (cf. Rm 3, 21-22). Our Holy Father continues, “What then is the justice of Christ? Above all, it is the justice that comes from grace, where it is not man who makes amends, heals himself and others.”

Conversion to Christ requires humility to accept what we need – the need of others and God, the need of His forgiveness and His friendship. This happens especially in the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist. A Reconciliation Weekend will be held on March 26 and 27 at various churches throughout the Diocese to provide numerous opportunities for believers to journey back to God through the Sacrament of Penance. The dates, times and locations of the offering of the Sacrament where priests throughout the Diocese will be available to hear confessions are available on this website.

It may be some time since you participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance. You may have questions about what to do or say. There are resources available on this website to assist you. I also encourage you to speak with a priest, if you have more questions.

During the season of Lent, I ask you to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance (with individual confession and absolution), either at your local parish church or on March 26 and 27 at a church close to you.

May the season of Lent be a time of understanding of the mystery of Christ, who came to fulfill every justice. Thanks to Christ’s action, we may enter into the “greatest” justice, which is that of love (cf. Rm 13, 8-10).

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Thomas Wenski
Bishop of Orlando