Phillip Hughes, M.D, S.J. (fidesetratio) wrote in whatprice, @ 2009-05-03 12:15:00 |
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Current mood: | calm |
Bless me Father, for I have sinned
Who: Fr. Phillip Hughes, SJ & Adrian Pucey
When: Sunday, 3 May 2009, before the 9:30 mass
Where:Church of the Immaculate Conception, Mayfair, London - reconciliation room
What:Phillip is on Confessional duty and Adrian is in need of absolution
Phillip sat in the chair behind the screen, dressed in his cassock and wearing a purple stole. After Vatican II, the Jesuits had decided to embrace the liturgical reforms. Confession was no longer limited to a small box with a screen, instead, there was now a reconciliation room. When you entered, there was the kneeler in front of the screen, behind which a priest sat, but there was also a second chair - in case one wished to confess in a casual face to face manner.
Confession was, for Phillip, one of the church's most beautiful sacraments. However, after last week's conversation with Sam, there was much on Phillip's mind as he read and reread his prayer book to keep himself focused as a minister of the church. Hearing the door open, he cleared his mind of all thoughts and turned his attention on the penitent.