Three Reasons Everyone Should Try Anonymous Confession

Fr. Patrick Hyde, OP has an excellent article on the unique blessings of "anonymous confession", that is, confessing behind the screen. While many of us grew up on face-to-face confessions, this option has always been available, and Fr. Patrick points out that is has its own strengths. For instance, he writes:

For those who struggle with anxiety, self-doubt and low self-worth, the screen can help the penitent to have a deep, intimate encounter with the love and mercy of God, mediated through the priest, while removing some of the social awkwardness. This can, therefore, lead to a much richer experience of the perfect mercy of Jesus and the sacramental graces available in the confessional.

Additionally, the barrier can enhance the freedom of both penitent and confessor to be totally honest. If a face-to-face confession leads a penitent to be anything other than frank and forthright about the realities and specifics of sin, an anonymous confession enhances the graces derived from being completely (even brutally) honest.

Read the whole article over at America Magazine and see if it is worth giving it a try.