When was the last time you went to confession?

This author, a college co-ed, has a confession of her own to make: it’s been a while:

Gary Stern of the Journal News reported that in the wake of Pope Benedict’s visit to the United States, some seminaries have reported an unanticipated increase of inquiries to join the priesthood. The Pope’s visit was a very good thing for American Catholicism, and an important moment of reflection for at least one American Catholic.

I am contemplating confession.

It’s been more than five years since I made one and in that half decade, I’ve racked up a host of sins. Not least of which includes my ongoing cynicism about the sacrament.

My idea of a good time does not generally include a jaunt into the dimly lit box of a confessional, sitting down with the strange man inside, and telling him all of my deepest, darkest, most discomforting secrets. My failings are between me and God, I have told myself for these years. I don’t need to bring anyone else into it. Add another failing to list, and bless me father, for I was wrong.

Pope Benedict’s homily at Washington Nationals Stadium was made up of the kind of stuff that make Catholics proud. He condemned a culture of violence, materialism and hostility to family life –an amalgamation of moral issues that transcend political partisanship and form the ‘seamless garment’ on life ethics. And just as I found myself nodding in agreement, the Pope made one more plea: that American Catholics return to the sacrament of Penance. For a moment, it seemed he was talking right to me.

Suddenly I thought ‘maybe he’s right,’ and something inside me cracked. While I’ve always believed that I have much to learn from the wisdom of the ages, I could not surrender on the point of confession. The Lord may be slow to anger, but I am rich in obstinacy.

There’s more, so check it out.