LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana, March 7, 2018 (LifeSiteNews) – The Ruth Institute, a pro-life and pro-family organization focused on helping people heal from the sexual revolution, has launched a billboard campaign encouraging Catholics to go to Confession this Lent.
In addition to appearing on four billboards, the campaign is online. One of the campaign’s humorous posters shows a wide-eyed Catholic priest in the Confessional.
“You won’t really shock him,” the text beside it says. “Go to Confession.”
“The ‘Go to Confession’ campaign is a way to remind people that God is merciful, and we can go to Him with our sins at any time and find forgiveness,” said Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, founder and president of the Ruth Institute. “What better time than during Lent?”
Another billboard depicts St. Thomas Aquinas with a speech bubble saying, “sin makes you stupid.”
“The Biblical basis for confession to a priest can be found in John (20:22-23): Jesus said to the apostles the night of His resurrection, after He breathed on them: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained,’” the Ruth Institute explained in a blog post accompanying the image of the Angelic Doctor.
“Sacramental confession is based on a sound natural understanding of the human condition because it recognizes the power of speaking, out loud, to another human being, the exact nature of our wrongs,” it says. “It is a very powerful, deeply personal and moving experience. We Catholics believe Our Lord knew we would sometimes need that personal connection.”
One of the billboards shows Jesus reaching out, with the text “Jesus is waiting for you.”
And another shows debris from a Mardi Gras party.
“Party’s over,” it says. “Go to Confession.”
Morse said her organization is using humor to get across a serious point.
“Families don’t just break down,” she said. “Marriages don’t just fall apart. Somebody sins. The ultimate solution to family breakdown is repentance.”
The Ruth Institute is also encouraging non-Catholics to repent of their sins: “Non-Catholic Christians have a variety of methods for dealing with the problem of sin and repentance. Some churches recommend accountability partners, healing prayer and other practices that are based on Scripture and a sound understanding of the human condition. We encourage you to participate in these.”