After more than 20 years away from the Catholic Church, Kathy from Virginia is finally coming home. But the shame of her past sins and the fear of confessing them are holding her back.
On The Patrick Madrid Show, Kathy shared that she had returned to attending Mass regularly but struggled with how to approach confession after decades of serious sins, including abortion, divorce, and living outside of marriage.
“My soul is just crushed that I’ve committed these sins,” she admitted.
Patrick responded with compassion, assuring her that God’s grace was already working in her heart, drawing her toward healing and forgiveness.
He encouraged Kathy to pray with Psalm 51, particularly its beautiful plea for a clean heart and renewed spirit.
Then came practical advice. Patrick recommended scheduling an appointment with a priest to allow enough time for a thorough confession. He explained the importance of examining one’s conscience and confessing all remembered mortal sins by kind and number, estimating frequency when necessary.
“Do the best you can. God understands,” Patrick reassured her.
He also emphasized the importance of genuine contrition and a firm purpose of amendment, reminding Kathy that sins honestly forgotten are forgiven through a sincere, complete confession.
For anyone afraid to return to confession, Kathy’s story reminds us that no matter how long you’ve been away or how serious your sins, God’s mercy is waiting.
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