“The father turned to his servants: ‘Quick! Bring out the finest robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and kill it. We will celebrate and have a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has come back to life. He was lost and is found.’ And the celebration began.”
Luke 16:23-24

The process of conversion and repentance was described by Jesus in the parable of the prodigal son, the center of which is the merciful father: the fascination of illusory freedom, the abandonment of the father’s house; the extreme misery in which the son finds himself after squandering his fortune; his deep humiliation at finding himself obliged to feed swine, and still worse, at wanting to feed on the husks the pigs ate; his reflection on all he has lost; his repentance and decision to declare himself guilty before his father; the journey back; the father’s generous welcome; the father’s joy – all these are characteristic of the process of conversion. The beautiful robe, the ring, and the festive banquet are symbols of new life – pure, worthy, and joyful – of anyone who returns to God and to the bosom of his family, which is the Church. Only the heart of Christ who knows the depths of his Father’s love could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a way. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1439)

Sin is before all else an offense against God, a rupture of communion with him. At the same time it damages communion with the Church. For this reason conversion entails both God’s forgiveness and reconciliation with the Church, which are expressed and accomplished liturgically by the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. (Lumen Gentium, No. 11)

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated here at San Gabriel Mission every Saturday evening from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and at your convenience in the Parish Rectory Office by appointment. Please call 626-457-3035.

Children and youth prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during their preparation for the Eucharist (First Communion). Please call 626-457-3041 to register.