We got to wondering, what did Dr. Butler have to say about confession? James Butler was Archbishop of Cashel in Ireland from 1774-1791. In 1775, he first published a Catechism which was adopted by other Irish bishops and priests. Butler's Catechism saw printings of many editions, and was widely used over the next century. The pocket-sized book used a question-and-answer format to provide simple information about Catholicism to children.
Here in the archives, we have Archbishop Lynch's copy of the 42nd edition.
 |
| "A Catechism for the Instruction of Children. By the Most Rev. Dr. Butler" Butler's Catechism, Forty-Second Edition ARCAT Rare Book Collection RB 10 |
Dr. Butler tells us that Penance is "a sacrament by which the sins we fall into after baptism are forgiven us."
 |
| Butler's Catechism, Forty-Second Edition ARCAT Rare Book Collection RB 10 |
On the next page, we learn that contrition is "a hearty sorrow and detestation of sin above all things, because it displeases a God so good in himself, with a firm resolution of sinning no more, and doing all we can to satisfy for our sins, and to amend our lives."
 |
| Butler's Catechism, Forty-Second Edition ARCAT Rare Book Collection RB 10 |
The modern answers to these questions can be found on the Archdiocese of Toronto's confession website. Check it out for lots of great resources to help you prepare for your visit to the confessional, including dates and times to visit your local parish.
No comments:
Post a Comment