On earth, the Church is a pilgrim people, still on the way toward final glory, so sin remains a constant danger and illness is always at hand.  How great the mercy of God, who instituted a sacrament as immediate remedies for these great evils as well—Reconciliation. 

In the sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus extends to us the forgiveness of sins through the ministry of ordained priests acting with his authority. On the day of his resurrection, he breathed upon the apostles and conveyed to them a power that was only his to give:

“Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” ~ John 20:22–23

This sacrament extends Christ’s personal absolution to everyone who approaches this sacrament for forgiveness.  How wonderful that the Lord makes his priests the instruments of his reconciliation, both with God and the Church.

{excerpt  taken from Ascencion Press "Journey thru the Catechism"}