Reconciliation is one of the two Sacraments of Healing. It has been known as Confession and Penance over the generations. During Reconciliation, we acknowledge our sins, ask for God’s forgiveness and receive absolution from our sins. Usually, a penance is also given, which is like an assignment for us to do, generally saying prayers or doing loving actions.
We read of Reconciliation in John 20:21-23. Having resurrected, Jesus appears to the apostles. As He speaks with them, He gives instructions to them saying, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, whose sins you retain are retained.” This is how priests receive the authority to forgive sins. It is part of their priestly vocation in following Jesus’ instructions.
By going to Reconciliation, our sins are forgiven, our souls wiped clean, and we are reunited with God and His Church.
“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (Catechism 1422)