Handbook, Chapter 33 (13) (c) – Sacraments
The sacrament of reconciliation is particularly emphasized in the sacramental life of Legionaries. Every Legionary is to accept Christ’s invitation to meet him personally in the sacrament of reconciliation. In this sacrament, we encounter spiritually with Christ and with God privately. The sacrament itself should be regularly done, in place and in time. We should not only arrange this during Advent or Lent. We need to proactively receive the sacrament of reconciliation; let the grace of God in the sacrament cleanse our souls.
The Handbook reminds us to receive the sacrament frequently and regularly, let “bad habits be uprooted, spiritual negligence and apathy be prevented, the conscience be purified and the will strengthened, salutary spiritual direction be obtained and grace be increased by the efficacy of the sacrament itself”. The content of the confession is always repetitive. Some people will not go to confession because of this repetitiveness. They are still not yet alert and see the need to go confession repeatedly. If you already see your own deficiencies which have kept repeating, but still not aware of the need for confession regularly, then you will be dragged into depravity and trapped in your own weakness. Eventually, it is difficult to get out of it. In fact, this repetition of going to confession will bring you the unexpected and unpredictable growth. The benefits of the sacrament of reconciliation originates from the sacrament itself; it is not related to the executor. Hence, there is no need to choose the priest. The effect of the sacrament is the same – merciful forgiveness. The benefit of the sacrament is the grace of God. The exhortation is only a part of it, there are examination of conscience, contrition, amendment, confession and penance. The sacrament will continuously nurture our souls just as the sacrament of the Holy Communion. Let us have more strength to resist temptations and win over our weaknesses. By the great love of God, He gives us the seven sacraments. We can receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and reconciliation repeatedly. Therefore, members should follow the guidelines in the Handbook, work hard in your spiritual life and grow continuously. We have the mission of sanctification of ourselves and others, and the transformation of the world. Let us live with the joy and peace of salvation. What we are aspiring, and what our hearts are yearning for, should be the pursuit for a beautiful and compassionate life.
Spiritual Director
Fr. Timothy Wan
15 March 2026