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The Secret of Confession: Including the Wonders of Confession
This must be the most intriguing and delightful book ever written on the Sacrament of Confession. The beloved Fr. Paul O’Sullivan—author of All About the Angels, How to Be Happy—How to Be Holy, Read Me or Rue It, and many other extremely popular books and booklets—brings forth in this little gem a host of true stories about Confession, plus quotations on Confession from Holy Scripture and from the Saints of the early Church. Many of his anecdotes involve non-Catholics, showing how Confession has won the admiration even of Protestants. He combines all these elements to prove that Confession comes from Our Lord Himself, that it gives renewed courage and youthfulness of spirit to the heart and soul, and that by means of weekly Confession any sin can be conquered! (Fr. O’Sullivan also gives sound Catholic counsel to mothers and fathers about encouraging frequent Confession for their children as a means of protecting them from grave dangers against purity.)
The Secret of Confession shows that God has given a very practical and workable remedy for every ill that ails the human soul—a divine remedy equally capable of dissolving the hardened indifference of repeated mortal sin and of healing the “lesser” faults of little children. This book reveals one of the truly great “secrets” of the Catholic Faith. It describes with great warmth and love the Sacrament of Confession—that spiritual tonic whereby God both raises up great and heroic saints and also leads countless “ordinary” Catholics to a remarkable purity of heart in this life and to the eternal reward of Heaven in the next.
The Secret of Confession shows that God has given a very practical and workable remedy for every ill that ails the human soul—a divine remedy equally capable of dissolving the hardened indifference of repeated mortal sin and of healing the “lesser” faults of little children. This book reveals one of the truly great “secrets” of the Catholic Faith. It describes with great warmth and love the Sacrament of Confession—that spiritual tonic whereby God both raises up great and heroic saints and also leads countless “ordinary” Catholics to a remarkable purity of heart in this life and to the eternal reward of Heaven in the next.
106 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1936
20 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Paul O'Sullivan
30 books41 followersFather Paul O'Sullivan, O.P., was born on February 7, 1871. After studying in Dublin, he went on to Rome, where he was ordained a Dominican. He then pursued a Lectorate degree for theology, which in turn prepared him for his future career in writing simple, profound books and preaching to the faithful. Father O'Sullivan also founded the "Catholic Printing Press" and established the Rosary Association, one of several associations he created with the Church's permission. He wrote on and had a great devotion to St. Philomena as well. He died in 1958, on the Feast of the Presentation.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR
Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 5, 2023
I like to read/reread a book about Confession before I go to the Sacrament. It reminds me why I am participating in this ancient rite and how blessed I am to have all my sins taken away by my Savior once again. As I am reading a book, such as this one, I may not be particularly impressed. I wasn't. It didn't seem to contain anything new. But that's not the point, is it? I've been a Catholic for 65 years and have probably read a great deal about Confession over the years; there is bound to be less and less that will be new to me.
However, as I was examining my conscience and preparing myself to confess my sins, I remembered to ask for the Grace of true contrition. Do I always remember to do that? No, I don't think so. Then, as I was confessing my sins, I explained how I had used a checklist from the Beatitudes and somehow that felt so much better than so many other ways I had prepared for the sacrament before.
And afterwards, I remembered how much Our LORD suffered for me, just for me and my sins. And I was so very sorry I couldn't think how I could ever thank Him for the gift of this incredible freedom He had just given me.
Was all this from this book? I am not sure. I need to read it again ... but it certainly didn't hurt.
However, as I was examining my conscience and preparing myself to confess my sins, I remembered to ask for the Grace of true contrition. Do I always remember to do that? No, I don't think so. Then, as I was confessing my sins, I explained how I had used a checklist from the Beatitudes and somehow that felt so much better than so many other ways I had prepared for the sacrament before.
And afterwards, I remembered how much Our LORD suffered for me, just for me and my sins. And I was so very sorry I couldn't think how I could ever thank Him for the gift of this incredible freedom He had just given me.
Was all this from this book? I am not sure. I need to read it again ... but it certainly didn't hurt.
March 19, 2021
This was the fifth volume from Father Paul that I have read, so far this year. I picked the first, The Wonders of the Mass, book up because it was promoted by TAN books in an email blast. They were promoting a bundle of books by Father Paul O'Sullivan. I know I have seen the covers before. After reading the first one I picked up a few more. And I realizes I should have grabbed the whole bundle. Each of the books I have read so far has been great. And particularly during lent this is an excellent read. The description of this book is:
“Probably the most intriguing and consoling book ever written about the Sacrament of Confession. This little gem contains a host of true stories about Confession, plus quotes from the Bible and the Saints of the early Church. Shows how even Protestants admire Confession, how it comes from Our Lord Himself, and gives renewed courage and youthfulness of spirit to the heart and soul. Says that by means of weekly Confession any sin can be conquered! Filled with warmth and love.”
And the chapters are:
Letter from Apostolic Nuncio, Lisbon
Part I The Secret of Confession
1. Was Confession Introduced by a Bishop?
2. Confession Was Instituted by Christ
3. What a Storm Would Have Arisen!
4. What Protestants Think of Confession
5. Facts Are Stubborn Arguments
6. Why Does God Oblige Us to Confess Our Sins to a Man?
7. “Come to Me, All You Who Labor and Are Heavily Burdened”
8. All Men Need a Friend
9. The Choice of a Confessor
Part II The Wonders Of Confession
10. Cardinal Mermillod and the Actress
11. The Two Tribunals
12. Jesus and Sinners
How to Go to Confession
I have said it before and I will state it again, two of the greatest things about Catholicism are daily communion and confession. Or the sacrament of reconciliation. For those not familiar as I was not:
“Fr. Paul Henry O'Sullivan, O.P., S.T.L., P.G., E.D.M., was born in Tralee, Ireland in 1871 and died in Lisbon, Portugal in 1958.”
Many of his books are available in English and some even in different editions. This one was first published in Portugal around 1936. It was retypset and reprinted in 1992 by TAN books, and then again in 2012 by the Saint Benedict Imprint. It received the Imprimatur on October 15th, 1936. The first words in the volume are a quote from page 74 of this same text, they are:
“The writer has conferred with many
experienced confessors,
and all, without exception,
agree that no vice is so gross,
so deep-rooted, so vicious
that it will not yield
to frequent Confession …”
In the letter of introduction, it is stated by P. Ciriaci Apostolic Nuncio that:
“I approve most heartily of your booklet on Confession. It supplies a need much felt, viz., a clear and practical explanation of the strength and consolation which Confession gives to the faithful.
You rightly emphasize the fact that Confession does not only pardon sin but that it efficaciously helps the greatest sinners to sin no more; it gives the weakest strength and consoles the most abandoned, if only they confess frequently.
You touch on points which are little understood, even by many Catholics, and your book will afford most interesting and useful reading, not only to Catholics, but also for those who do not be long to the Church.”
I have a great personal appreciation for confession. I am a better man than I was, and confession plays a big role in that. And I strive to be better each day. Confession was one of the key factors that drew me back to the Catholic church, while I was studying to become an Anglican Priest. Part I of the volume The Secret of Confession states that it includes:
Confession Was Instituted by Christ
What Protestants Think of Confession
Facts Are Stubborn Arguments
Why Does God Oblige Us to Confess?
All Men Need a Friend
The Choice of a Confessor
If you look at the list of chapters above for this section Most of these are titles of Chapters or they can be inferred. There are a few other chapters. A difference in translation or emphasis can be seen in comparing the chapter title:
Was Confession Introduced by a Bishop?
with
Confession Was Instituted by Christ
The book like others by Father Paul is powerful in that it is written in a clear, clean and crisp fashion. It is written from personal experience. And he includes enough stories to drive home his points. Without it being just a collection of his stories. One story he tells is about a young man who comes to him wanting to convert so he can marry a Catholic girl. Father Paul tells him that is not a good reason to become Catholic, he recounts:
““Evidently George was not prepared for categorical questions. He hesitated an instant, and then replied: ‘I wish to become a Catholic in order to go to Confession.’
“‘Now, my friend,’ I returned, ‘frankly that is an extraordinary reason. It is precisely because of Confession that many of your co-religionists fear to embrace the Catholic Faith. And you mean to tell me that you actually wish to become a Catholic in order to be able to confess?’
“George at once, with unmistakable sincerity, gave me his ideas on Confession in words so clear and convincing as would put to shame many Catholics. He had grasped the full significance of the Sacrament and clearly understood what peace, strength and consolation it must give if properly practiced.”
That is in part what this excellent volume does for us. It helps us seen again the importance, and centrality of confession to our faith and our growth. He draws quotes from the church fathers and even protestants on the importance of confession to the Catholic Identity. At one Point Father Paul informs us:
“A Swiss Protestant journalist received permission to visit the advanced posts of the Allied Forces and was given ample opportunity to speak with the soldiers. On his return home he published beautiful accounts of the chaplains.
“Among the wonders of this awful war,” he wrote, “one of the most extraordinary is the appearance of a new kind of hero, the priest hero, of whom too much cannot be said. He is the admiration of everyone and a wonderful help to the men.””
Another story he shares is:
“The South African War. A Catholic soldier was brought in dying. He asked for a chaplain. The nearest priest was in an encampment 200 miles away. The fact came to the notice of Field Marshal Lord Roberts, who at once ordered a train to go and fetch the priest. On the return journey the small party was ambushed by the Boers and had to surrender.
On hearing, however, that the British Commander-in-Chief had sent a train such a distance to fetch a priest for one dying trooper, they were astounded. Giving the salute, they wished the party God-speed.”
But the most important part of the book will be about the impact on your, your confession and your life. It is another fantastic read from the pen of Father Paul O’Sullivan. This book helps us realize the importance of Confession. It is another excellent volume that any Catholic would benefit from reading. I highly recommend it.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Father Paul O'Sullivan.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
“Probably the most intriguing and consoling book ever written about the Sacrament of Confession. This little gem contains a host of true stories about Confession, plus quotes from the Bible and the Saints of the early Church. Shows how even Protestants admire Confession, how it comes from Our Lord Himself, and gives renewed courage and youthfulness of spirit to the heart and soul. Says that by means of weekly Confession any sin can be conquered! Filled with warmth and love.”
And the chapters are:
Letter from Apostolic Nuncio, Lisbon
Part I The Secret of Confession
1. Was Confession Introduced by a Bishop?
2. Confession Was Instituted by Christ
3. What a Storm Would Have Arisen!
4. What Protestants Think of Confession
5. Facts Are Stubborn Arguments
6. Why Does God Oblige Us to Confess Our Sins to a Man?
7. “Come to Me, All You Who Labor and Are Heavily Burdened”
8. All Men Need a Friend
9. The Choice of a Confessor
Part II The Wonders Of Confession
10. Cardinal Mermillod and the Actress
11. The Two Tribunals
12. Jesus and Sinners
How to Go to Confession
I have said it before and I will state it again, two of the greatest things about Catholicism are daily communion and confession. Or the sacrament of reconciliation. For those not familiar as I was not:
“Fr. Paul Henry O'Sullivan, O.P., S.T.L., P.G., E.D.M., was born in Tralee, Ireland in 1871 and died in Lisbon, Portugal in 1958.”
Many of his books are available in English and some even in different editions. This one was first published in Portugal around 1936. It was retypset and reprinted in 1992 by TAN books, and then again in 2012 by the Saint Benedict Imprint. It received the Imprimatur on October 15th, 1936. The first words in the volume are a quote from page 74 of this same text, they are:
“The writer has conferred with many
experienced confessors,
and all, without exception,
agree that no vice is so gross,
so deep-rooted, so vicious
that it will not yield
to frequent Confession …”
In the letter of introduction, it is stated by P. Ciriaci Apostolic Nuncio that:
“I approve most heartily of your booklet on Confession. It supplies a need much felt, viz., a clear and practical explanation of the strength and consolation which Confession gives to the faithful.
You rightly emphasize the fact that Confession does not only pardon sin but that it efficaciously helps the greatest sinners to sin no more; it gives the weakest strength and consoles the most abandoned, if only they confess frequently.
You touch on points which are little understood, even by many Catholics, and your book will afford most interesting and useful reading, not only to Catholics, but also for those who do not be long to the Church.”
I have a great personal appreciation for confession. I am a better man than I was, and confession plays a big role in that. And I strive to be better each day. Confession was one of the key factors that drew me back to the Catholic church, while I was studying to become an Anglican Priest. Part I of the volume The Secret of Confession states that it includes:
Confession Was Instituted by Christ
What Protestants Think of Confession
Facts Are Stubborn Arguments
Why Does God Oblige Us to Confess?
All Men Need a Friend
The Choice of a Confessor
If you look at the list of chapters above for this section Most of these are titles of Chapters or they can be inferred. There are a few other chapters. A difference in translation or emphasis can be seen in comparing the chapter title:
Was Confession Introduced by a Bishop?
with
Confession Was Instituted by Christ
The book like others by Father Paul is powerful in that it is written in a clear, clean and crisp fashion. It is written from personal experience. And he includes enough stories to drive home his points. Without it being just a collection of his stories. One story he tells is about a young man who comes to him wanting to convert so he can marry a Catholic girl. Father Paul tells him that is not a good reason to become Catholic, he recounts:
““Evidently George was not prepared for categorical questions. He hesitated an instant, and then replied: ‘I wish to become a Catholic in order to go to Confession.’
“‘Now, my friend,’ I returned, ‘frankly that is an extraordinary reason. It is precisely because of Confession that many of your co-religionists fear to embrace the Catholic Faith. And you mean to tell me that you actually wish to become a Catholic in order to be able to confess?’
“George at once, with unmistakable sincerity, gave me his ideas on Confession in words so clear and convincing as would put to shame many Catholics. He had grasped the full significance of the Sacrament and clearly understood what peace, strength and consolation it must give if properly practiced.”
That is in part what this excellent volume does for us. It helps us seen again the importance, and centrality of confession to our faith and our growth. He draws quotes from the church fathers and even protestants on the importance of confession to the Catholic Identity. At one Point Father Paul informs us:
“A Swiss Protestant journalist received permission to visit the advanced posts of the Allied Forces and was given ample opportunity to speak with the soldiers. On his return home he published beautiful accounts of the chaplains.
“Among the wonders of this awful war,” he wrote, “one of the most extraordinary is the appearance of a new kind of hero, the priest hero, of whom too much cannot be said. He is the admiration of everyone and a wonderful help to the men.””
Another story he shares is:
“The South African War. A Catholic soldier was brought in dying. He asked for a chaplain. The nearest priest was in an encampment 200 miles away. The fact came to the notice of Field Marshal Lord Roberts, who at once ordered a train to go and fetch the priest. On the return journey the small party was ambushed by the Boers and had to surrender.
On hearing, however, that the British Commander-in-Chief had sent a train such a distance to fetch a priest for one dying trooper, they were astounded. Giving the salute, they wished the party God-speed.”
But the most important part of the book will be about the impact on your, your confession and your life. It is another fantastic read from the pen of Father Paul O’Sullivan. This book helps us realize the importance of Confession. It is another excellent volume that any Catholic would benefit from reading. I highly recommend it.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Father Paul O'Sullivan.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
March 13, 2017
I used to think this book would be nothing more than an extra long examination of conscience - a book that would harp on how sin offends God and why it's important to confess etc... Little did I know that it would open my eyes in a new way to the beautiful sacrament of confession. I never knew it would be possible to love the sacrament so much!
The author writes in every day language and is very enjoyable to read. It has real life stories and even one that's right up there with a Father Brown mystery.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to understand the sacrament better.
The author writes in every day language and is very enjoyable to read. It has real life stories and even one that's right up there with a Father Brown mystery.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to understand the sacrament better.
February 18, 2021
Very well written, O'Sullivan's work is an excellent introduction to the sacrament of confession. Filled with anecdotes and references to Bulls and other encyclicals, he makes the sacrament easy to understand for any person of any background. It's a short and simple read, easy to read in segments or in larger chunks.
May 21, 2023
Not exactly what I was looking for, but good encouragement to frequent Confession nonetheless.
September 11, 2017
I read this on the recommendation of an acquaintance and, honestly, fully expected it to be dry and preachy. I was pleasantly surprised to find it both engaging and edifying. In this short book, Fr. O'Sullivan lovingly expresses the need for, and power of, frequent Confession through anecdotes, saints' quotes, and Bible verses. While he warns sternly against the negative effects of sin, his focus is on the Grace and Mercy of God delivered through the Sacrament of Confession. I would definitely recommend both the Sacrament and the book!
December 5, 2019
89/100 (= 5.3/6) ≈ 5 Stars
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Super to show confession's affect on morals of society. Helpful and loved by Catholics, not oppressive. Excellent story of conversion in Geneva.
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Super to show confession's affect on morals of society. Helpful and loved by Catholics, not oppressive. Excellent story of conversion in Geneva.
May 26, 2015
Very good
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews