Shoppers Unburden Themselves At Christian 'Confess-A-Thon'

A priest hears confession at a Colombian shopping mall Colombian Bishops' Conference

Bishops in Colombia have held their second "confess-a-thon" in the capital city Bogotá.

The secular rubbed shoulders wth the sacred in Gran Estación shopping mall as 230 priests administered the Sacrament of Reconciliation to any shoppers who felt called to confess, according to CNA.

The initiative of the Catholic bishops' conference of Colombia is part of Pope Francis' current Year of Jubilee, which has "mercy" as its theme.

CNA reports that the priests descended on the mall during the "Faith Cup", a football tournament held for the Colombian Church's priests to build fellowship. 

The tournament included teams from the Archdiocese of Guadalajara in Mexico and Quito in Ecuador.

The Cup of the Faith motto this year was "Mercy is forgiveness, reconciliation and peace". The 600 priests who took part wanted to promote a message of reconciliation and show that fair play is possible, according to the cup broadcast website.

In addition, 360 priests visited detention centres and prisons to hear confessions, including at the Good Shepherd women's prison.

The confess-a-thon even trended on Twitter with the hashtag #Confesatón2016. 

Gladys Lopez was among those who took the opportunity to unburden herself at confession.

"You come totally convinced that God is giving you the chance to have a clear conscience and to be able remove those things that are weighing us down in our lives, and it's an opportunity that everyone should take advantage of," she said, according to CNA.

Luz Estella Rey said that it had been a long time since she had experienced this sacrament and said that she felt "very grateful, with no fear of doing something scary." 

News
Princess of Wales to lead Westminster Abbey carol service, celebrating kindness and community
Princess of Wales to lead Westminster Abbey carol service, celebrating kindness and community

This evening, the Princess of Wales, Catherine, is set to revisit Westminster Abbey to preside over her fifth Together at Christmas carol service - a seasonal gathering that places acts of kindness and community at the heart of its celebrations.

Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.