Book Review: Hear My Confession By Father Joseph Orsini

What’s the book about?

This memoir recounts the experience of a catholic priest who while pursuing his doctorate hits a spiritual snag which he couldn’t shake off intellectually. It was during this dark period of his life that he was introduced to charismatic prayer sessions that were organized by his fellow priests. Though initially skeptical of this movement, he grudgingly gave in and attended a session where he experiences such a refreshing in his spirit as he has never known before. He is reinvigorated and can’t seem to have enough of fellowshipping with others in prayer and rejoicing in the power of God by His Spirit.

My sentiments

Though I don’t belong to the Roman Catholic Church, reading this book filled my heart with joy because I came to realize how the Spirit of God moves mysteriously even in circles where He is nominally acknowledged but not in palpable ways. I was particularly pleased by his plea to those like himself who catch such “fire” not to abandon the catholic faith but to remain and effect reforms which he believes is very much needed in the Roman Catholic Church.

This book is a good reminder that there comes a time when a believer simply doesn’t desire God or fellowship with other believers. This may be due to several reasons chief among them is sin. Like David, we sometimes ask “Why are you cast down, O my soul and why are you in turmoil within me?” Psalm 42:11 But it is during these trying times (a time which some have aptly christened ‘wilderness experience’) that one most dearly needs to draw near to God through prayer and supplication and to seek fellowship with other believers especially those who have encountered similar spiritual exhaustion and understands and share in his plight. One needs to pray the Holy Spirit to remind one of such wonderful promises in God’s word like “But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3 and a thousand other promises that are rife in scripture!

May God continue to bear us up for our good and ultimately for His glory!

Soli Deo Gloria!!!