Some 200 priests heard the confession of some 6,000 local and international delegates to the fourth World Apostolic Congress on Mercy in the Archdiocese of Lipa on Jan. 18.
"Confession is a very essential element of our church.... It shows a church that is forgiven and a church that is forgiving," said Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa.
The archdiocese hosted the third day of the international gathering of devotees and supporters of Divine Mercy.
Archbishop Arguelles said confession is "one of the primary messages of mercy," adding that confession conveys that someone has time for mercy.
Tumpal Tampubolon, a 66-year-old delegate from Indonesia, said the availability of priests who hear confessions in their own language "gives me a feel of home."
"It felt like I was just talking to a friend," he said.
Chilean delegate Leandra Belen, 58, said she uses the opportunity to share her "reflections, wishes, and hopes" during confession.
A priest hears confession in a corner of a church in the Archdiocese of Lipa, Philippines. (Photo by Angie de Silva)