A new documentary, Sins of Ireland, premiering on Good Friday, April 18, explores the complex legacy of the Catholic Church in Ireland through the lens of confession, an idea which came to filmmaker Alex Fegan at his son’s first confession. It follows fifteen priests as they go about their lives, reflecting on a sacrament that once shaped Irish identity but has since faded from view in many places.
The sacrament of forgiveness has distinctly Irish roots. In the 7th century, Irish monks pioneered ‘private’ confession, a practice they brought to Europe. Rather than confessing publicly before a whole community, the monks would speak their sins to a trusted companion — their Anam Chara.
“That was the original idea behind confession,” Fegan explains. “It came from the Anam Chara — the soul friend. Someone you could tell your story to. Someone who could help you unburden yourself.”
But as Sins of Ireland shows, this deeply personal practice was later overshadowed by fear, shame, and control. A sentiment made clear from the first line of the film and one which all the priests hope to overcome.
Fr Pat Collins, a Vincentian priest, psychotherapist, and expert in deliverance ministry, pointed to the influence of Jansenism . However, Fr Collins is clear: confession’s original purpose still has power. “There’s something we’ve lost, but there’s something to recover which is precious.”
