Sacrament of Mercy: A Spiritual and Practical Guide to Confession

Sacrament of Mercy is a guide to help make the experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation more fruitful. After briefly reviewing how the practice of confession has developed through the centuries, Fr. Thomas Weinandy presents the various theological and pastoral aspects of this sacrament. Drawing on his wide pastoral experience, he emphasizes how Reconciliation effectively leads to continual conversion and spiritual growth. Twenty-five scripturally based reflections guide the reader to examine his or her life, to acknowledge and repent of sin, and come to experience the compassion, mercy and healing grace of God.

Fr. Thomas Weinandy is a Capuchin/Franciscan who was ordained in 1972. In 1975 he obtained a doctorate in historical theology from King's College, University of London. He has taught theology at a number of colleges and universities in the United States including Mt. St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, Maryland and the Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. Presently Fr. Weinandy is the Warden of Greyfriars Hall, Oxford and is a tutor and lecturer in history and doctrine at the University of Oxford. His books include: Does God Change? The Word's Becoming in the Incarnation; In the Likeness of Sinful Flesh: An Essay on the Humanity of Christ; and The Father's Spirit of Sonship: Reconceiving the Trinity. Since 1976 Fr. Weinandy has been a member of the Mother of God Community, which grew out of the Charismatic Renewal. He has worked extensively with families and college students, forming Bible studies and prayer groups in the United States and England.