On Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018 Pope Francis' General Audience highlighted the role of sin in violating our relationship with God and neighbor alike. "Sin breaks: it breaks the relationship with God and it breaks the relationship with brethren, the relationship in the family, in society and in the community: Sin always breaks, separates, divides." Restorative justice emphasizes the call repair relationships broken by harm and wrongdoing.

The Penitential Rite is an opportunity for self examination and an invitation to restoration. Pope Francis says, "We know from experience that only one who is able to acknowledge his mistakes and asks for forgiveness, receives the understanding and forgiveness of others."

Read the full text here. 

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