Q: Our parish priest gives general absolution at Mass, inviting all to take part in receiving Communion—surely this cannot be right? How is he to know the gravity of people’s sin and their sincerity in true repentance? I understand his efforts to welcome us all, but it’s basically giving an opportunity for sacrilege. — Anthony
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC A: The use of general absolution requires a bishop’s approval. It is usually reserved for rare and serious conditions, such as when soldiers are heading into battle or firefighters are rushing into a burning building to save people. Even then, someone with mortal sin who receives general absolution must intend to go to confession as soon as possible. A Holy See document explains the conditions in depth. That parish priest seems to be abusing general absolution. It would be good to approach him, even if by e-mail, and send him a link to the document cited above. If he doesn’t halt the practice, it would be good for the chancery to be notified. And please pray for that priest.
Under the theme “Apostles of Hope,” this was much more than an event: it was a preview of what the Church is experiencing this week during the Jubilee of Youth and a sign that hope continues to be born wherever young people gather in the name of Christ.
The International Gathering of Regnum Christi Youth was held on Monday, July 28, at the International College of the Legionaries of Christ in Rome. It brought together more than 1,500 participants from 16 countries and marked the beginning of the great Jubilee of Youth celebration.
The event offered time for silence and worship, music and testimonies, reflection, confession, and fellowship, despite the rain that occasionally lingered. It began with a profound Eucharistic hour, in which silence spoke louder than words, and culminated with songs, shared emotions, and a renewed desire to be a light in the world.
Young people from different countries met at the International College of the Legionaries of Christ in Rome.
A community of apostles sent out on a mission
This meeting expressed the reality of something that many young people already experience in their daily lives: faith is not lived alone, but is strengthened in community. Being a Christian today means walking with others, learning to listen, and sharing the fire of a common mission.
“It’s so beautiful to pray together, united in Him, to find ourselves in Him, to live with Him. That’s why it’s so good to have these moments as a family ,” says Juan Pablo from Mexico.
“We are young people who are crazy about God and constantly seek the Lord ,” says Sofía, from Chile.
“It was spectacular to sing together, the prayer was so beautiful. We’re looking forward to living this week to the fullest, getting to know God better, and keeping Him present every day,” says Carlos, from Spain.
“We are a generation on fire, constantly seeking Christ and following him to eternal life,” says Lucía from Argentina.
Their words reflect a generation that refuses to give up, that seeks, that launches itself, that wants to live the Gospel with authenticity.
Pilgrims from Spain.
Accompanied on the journey
The meeting was also a significant experience for those who accompany these young people on their faith journey. Consecrated women, Legionaries, lay members, and lay consecrated men shared the day with them as brothers and sisters on the journey, witnesses, and educators.
“I see youth here filled with hope, with so much joy… it was raining recently, and all they did was sing. A great week is ahead with these apostles of the Kingdom ,” commented Brother Daniel Tezanos, LC, from Chile.
“It’s one of the most special moments… these young people are going to have an experience of the Church, an experience of Jesus Christ. The international presence has been impressive… Argentina, the United States, Mexico, Chile… it’s something they’ll never forget ,” shared Lu Pérez, a consecrated woman from Mexico.
Their discreet but close presence made visible that Church that walks with young people, that believes in them and encourages them to give their best.
Br. Bernardo Ross, LC and Ceci Cánovas, a Consecrated Woman, during the event.
The encounter with Christ that unites cultures
From the moment we arrived at the event, the atmosphere was charged with emotion and diversity. The Eucharistic hour was a moment of profound encounter with Christ and with one another. Later, the music, testimonies, and spontaneous joy created an atmosphere of family, of a living Church rejoicing in shared faith.
A young man from the United States sharing his testimony during Eucharistic adoration.
Christ was the true center: the one who brought these young people together and the one who sent them forth with a burning heart. These young people were not united by an ideology, a fad, or a simple enthusiasm, but by a shared desire to follow him and proclaim him.
Moments of prayer during the meeting.
On pilgrimage with the whole Church
The International Meeting of RC Youth was just the beginning. These pilgrims now fully join in the celebrations of the Jubilee of Youth : the opening Mass in St. Peter’s Square, the penitential day at the Circus Maximus, the vigil on Saturday, August 2, and the final Mass with Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, August 3.
A journey of faith shared with thousands of other young people around the world. An experience that leaves a lasting impression. A call to be, truly, pilgrims of hope.
You can see the photos of the event in this album .
Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to be your disciple, faithful to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit and sagacious in sharing the good news with those I love.
Encountering Christ:
Our Native Place: What brought Jesus to his native place? To see his mother? To preach to the people he knew from his childhood days? What was in his heart? Like ourselves, perhaps Jesus was most interested in those he cared for from childhood. He wanted them to discover the light and the truth. But those with whom we are closest are often the hardest ones to talk to about the faith. When our loved ones reject our faith, it can feel like a personal rejection, especially when the faith means so much to us. Let’s ask the Lord for strength and wisdom to share what is important to us with those we most love.
They Took Offense at Him: Imagine the suffering heart of Jesus as his teaching was rejected in his own native place. What is his outward reaction? He did what he could without forcing their hand. He knew that they were free to choose to believe or not believe. His sadness was not directed at himself because he was personally rejected, but at their hard-heartedness. He was sad for them, for what they would miss out on—the gifts that the Father so longed to give them. He was sad that they did not recognize the call to live in the kingdom of God for which they were created. When we find ourselves rejected, we can ask to have a heart like Christ’s and offer our sadness or hurt for the good of those who reject us.
Mighty Deeds and Faith: The Gospel says that Jesus did not work mighty deeds among them because of their lack of faith. This speaks of the power of faith. While faith is a gift, it is also a human act of opening the door. We welcome the Lord’s action and presence in our lives. With faith, we “give God permission” to do what he sees fit to do. Faith also implies trust that God seeks to give us good things. Faith permits God to perform salutary actions, which heal the deepest wounds and orient us toward the greatest freedom found in union with God through the grace of Jesus Christ.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of faith and for wanting to give me the gift of friendship with you. Help me to welcome this gift daily and share it with others. Give me courage and wisdom so I may also be a channel of your grace to others.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will be attentive to opportunities to share the good news with others through my words, deeds, and silent prayers.
For Further Reflection:How to Evangelize Family Members, Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers.
Alex Kucera has lived in Atlanta, GA, for the last 46 years. He is one of 9 children, married to his wife Karmen, and has 3 girls, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way. Alex joined Regnum Christi in 2007. Out of the gate, he joined the Helping Hands Medical Missions apostolate and is still participating today with the Ghana Friendship Mission.
In 2009, Alex was asked to be the Atlanta RC Renewal Coordinator for the Atlanta Locality to help the RC members with the RC renewal process. Alex became a Group Leader in 2012 for four of the Atlanta Men’s Section Teams and continues today. Running in parallel, in 2013, Alex became a Team Leader and shepherded a large team of good men.
Alex was honored to be the Atlanta Mission Coordinator between 2010 to 2022 (12 years), coordinating 5-8 Holy Week Mission teams across Georgia. He also created and coordinated missions at a parish in Athens, GA, for 9 years. Alex continues to coordinate Holy Week Missions, Advent Missions, and Monthly missions at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA.
From 2016 to 2022, Alex also served as the Men’s Section Assistant in Atlanta. He loved working with the Men’s Section Director, the Legionaries, Consecrated, and Women’s Section leadership teams.
Alex is exceptionally grateful to the Legionaries, Consecrated, and many RC members who he’s journeyed shoulder to shoulder, growing his relationship with Christ and others along the way. He knows that there is only one way, that’s Christ’s Way, with others!
