The confessional box is important for the Catholic Church.

At the time of Pope Julius III, one can read about the doctrine of the sacrament of penance and confession at the Council of Trent. St Carlo Borromeo (1538-1584), a friend of St Philip Neri, later commenced the idea of the confessional box.

I think, churches in Malta should continue having the confessional box present, as used to happen in the past. When talking to some faithful, they told me they preferred the confessional box because that avoided looking directly at the priest.

Let’s preserve the traditional confessional box in our churches. The Fatima church, in Guardamangia, kept it, as did other churches. Apart being part of the liturgy, their design and workmanship must also be admired. Indeed, let’s keep the baroque designs alive.