It's Good to Have the Option

In my experience as a priest, confession face-to-face can be just as sincere as those that are anonymous. In fact, some of the "best" confessions that I hear are of those penitents who wish to confess to me face-to-face and know me. I hate it of course -- as their confession of sins only shows up my sinfulness.

So I debate the statement that you have made Jaques. Each person is different, and have their own preferred way of being: Most confessionals these days are set up so that face to face or anonymous can be used at the penitent's choice -- and that is what it is all about. 

Cheers,

Vince Carroll MSC
St Paul's Catholic Church