What is the Sacrament of Penance, and why is it absolutely essential for the forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism?

In this video, we explore the traditional Catholic teaching on Confession (Reconciliation) as instituted by Jesus Christ, entrusted to the Apostles, and passed down through Apostolic Succession to bishops and priests who forgive sins in persona Christi—in the person of Christ.

🔹 Topics covered in this presentation:

Definition of the Sacrament of Penance
Difference between mortal sin and venial sin
The role of sanctifying grace in the soul
The nature of original sin and its effect on the human condition
How concupiscence inclines us toward sin and vice
Why private prayer is not enough to restore grace lost through mortal sin
Refuting the Protestant errors of sola fide and sola scriptura
The necessity of contrition, confession, absolution, and penance
The formula of absolution used by Catholic priests
Scriptural basis for confession: John 20:22–23
How the sacrament restores the sinner to communion with God and the Catholic Church

Rooted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC §§1422–1449), this video offers a thorough and faithful overview of this powerful sacrament that restores the soul to baptismal purity, reestablishes spiritual communion, and prepares the faithful for eternal life.

🕊️ Key doctrines affirmed:

The priest acts by the power of Christ, not personal holiness
Sin is not merely a mistake—it is a rupture in communion with God and His Church
Absolution is a divine act carried out through the sacramental ministry of the Church
Penance is not optional—it is ordained by Christ for our healing and sanctification

📘 Source References:

Catechism of the Catholic Church (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1997)
This is the Faith by Canon Francis Ripley (TAN Books, 2002)
Catholic moral theology and sacred tradition