Hey there,
It is so easy to get caught up in outward appearances. We can check all the right boxes, look like model Catholics to everyone around us, and fool almost anyone. But holiness isn’t about what we show the world; it’s about the true state of our hearts when nobody else is watching.
Saint Alphonsus Liguori, a brilliant Doctor of the Church who spent his life guiding souls, often warned about the dangers of hiding things from God. He shared a chilling story about a woman who seemed completely holy … she fasted, prayed, and gave to the poor … yet was shockingly revealed to be lost after she died. Her fatal mistake? Giving in to the “mute devil” … that whispering voice of pride and shame that convinces us to keep a serious sin hidden in the confessional.
When our pride, fear, or embarrassment makes us stay quiet, we are trying to hide from God, who already knows our whole story. We choose that temporary pride over eternal life with Him. But His mercy is always there for us if we just have the courage to be completely honest and hand over our heavy loads.
In this issue of Genuflect, we take a closer look at the wisdom of St. Alphonsus. We look at how to tackle those stubborn “pet sins,” why a difficult priest can’t ruin a valid sacrament, how to overcome confession anxiety, and the common traps to avoid so you can make a truly honest confession.
I hope this issue helps you break any silence holding you back, walk into the confessional with complete sincerity, and open your heart wide to God’s healing mercy.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
genuflect: sponsor
genuflect: resources
The Nun in Hell
This must-watch spiritual documentary investigates St. Alphonsus Liguori’s account of a seemingly holy woman who was shockingly revealed to be in Hell after her death. Discover how the “mute devil” traps souls through shame and the concealment of mortal sin, and learn the radical remedy prescribed by the saints to break free before it is too late.
She Was Considered Holy — Until St. Alphonsus Revealed Her Fate | Divine Echo on YouTube
Advice For “Pet Sins”
Saint Alphonsus Liguori shared a powerful story of a young man stopped from sinning by a miraculous image of Our Lady of Sorrows offering her own heart instead of wounding her Son. Discover how visualizing this poignant image when tempted by our own “pet sins” can help us grasp the true spiritual weight of our actions and turn back to God’s mercy.
St. Alphonsus Liguori Proposes an Image to Stop “Pet Sins” | Aleteia
Saint Alphonsus Liquori’s Background
Saint Alphonsus Liguori was a brilliant 18th-century Italian bishop, lawyer, and Doctor of the Church who overcame severe physical ailments to found the Redemptorists and write timeless spiritual classics. His powerful teachings warn against presuming God’s mercy and emphasize the vital importance of guarding the soul, examining one’s conscience honestly, and uniting our will to Christ.
The Wisdom of St. Alphonsus Liguori, Super-Saint | Catholic Stand
Overcoming Confession Anxiety
Putting off confession because you are feeling overwhelmed by embarrassment, shame, or anxiety puts your salvation at risk. Discover practical advice from Father Joe on how to conquer fear, recognize the devil’s traps, and embrace the healing grace of the sacrament.
Be Not Afraid: Overcoming Confession Anxiety | Gulf Coast Catholic
Surviving a Bad Confessor
Have you ever walked out of the confessional feeling confused, frustrated, or hurt by a difficult priest? Discover why a bad confessor can’t ruin a valid sacrament and how true, loving contrition is all you need to receive God’s powerful mercy.
What to Do When You Get a Bad Confessor | Catholic Answers
What Not to do in Confession
Do you ever catch yourself rushing through your confession, making excuses, or hiding embarrassing details from the priest? Discover common confessing traps … from the “lazy-boy” routine to “softening” your sins … and learn how approaching the sacrament with total sincerity and trust opens your heart to God’s healing mercy.
Infographic: What NOT to do in a Confession | Home of The Mother Youth
The Sacrament of Confession
In this past issue of Genuflect, we looked at the Sacrament of Confession, its history of how it evolved over time, how and why we should go regularly, what we need to know about Purgatory, and the opportunity to shorten our time in Purgatory with Indulgences.
Utilizing The Sacrament of Confession | Genuflect
genuflect: bonus
Inspiration on Your Desktop And Phone
Click below to download this week’s free inspirational Christmas wallpaper for your desktop and your phone. Or download one of the previous wallpapers
Download for Desktop Download for Phone
genuflect: sharing
Please use these buttons to share this issue of Genuflect with your friends, family, and followers who may be interested. Thank you!
