In a bid to stay relevant in an ever changing society, 16 Irish priests have took it upon themselves to hear confession in a shopping centre. On December 8, the priests will be available in Skycourt Shopping Centre in Co Clare for confession.
Shannon’s Parish Priest Fr Tom Ryan told The Irish Catholic newspaper that the initiative “was in response to Pope Francis’ call to priests to go out to the market place and proclaim the Gospel. There are shopping centres in every large town in the country. There is no reason why they couldn’t do the same. The Year of Mercy is the opportunity to do that. I think if the initiative is of benefit to just one person the day will have been worthwhile,” he said.
Skycourt Manager Pat Kelly said he is onboard with the idea. “I jumped on it straight away as I thought it was a great idea. It gives Christmas shoppers an opportunity to do their shopping under one roof and avail of the opportunity to meet with a priest and have a chat in a neutral environment where they are comfortable.”