Instagram influencer Willie Prince-Mata announced in a now-viral video that he went to confession for the first time in 10 years.
He told his incredible story to his more than 450,000 followers.
Prince-Mata, who is known for his lifestyle, sports, and food-related videos, changed the pace of his social media timeline by sharing this deeply spiritual and personal story.
The influencer said he has received all his sacraments, but fell away from the Church over the past few years. He said, “The one thing that kept me away from religion was confession.”
However, he recently returned to Mass and longed to receive the Eucharist.
“I went back to Mass this past Sunday and saw everybody receive the Eucharist, and not being able to receive it because I haven't gone to confession—that hurt.”
Prince-Mata added that “one of the most beautiful things about Catholicism” is receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.”
He then shared that he’s experienced both good and bad confessions. He was nervous to return, but decided to overcome his fear and enter the Church to receive the sacrament. He said this confession “couldn't have gone any better.”
“It feels like it's a big weight lifted off my shoulders—not only to be forgiven for my sins, but to release all that in general,” he said.
“So if you're going through the same journey as me, go to confession. I know it can be scary—trust me. But just pray to God to give you strength, keep you humble, and guide you through it.”
Here is Wille Prince-Mata’s confession story below:
Here is the full text of Willie Prince-Mata’s confession story:
It is day 11 of Lent, and I'm going to confession for the first time in nearly 10 years. I can't even lie—I am nervous. And this is not my first rodeo. I have all my sacraments of Catholicism. But as someone who stayed away from Catholicism over the past years, one thing that kept me away from the religion was confession.
But I went back to Mass this past Sunday and saw everybody receive the Eucharist, and not being able to receive it because I haven't gone to confession—that hurt. That's one of the most beautiful things about Catholicism: going to Mass and receiving the Body of Christ and drinking the Blood of Christ in remembrance of what He did for us, in remembrance of Him.
In the past, I've had good experiences with confession, but also a lot of bad ones. So I'm just hoping this father takes it easy on me, helps me, guides me, so I can absolve this from all my sins. I also hope this helps you guys, too, who are cradle Catholics and wanted to come back into the faith, to not be scared to go to confession, because you guys know how it goes.
Wow. That couldn't have gone any better. The father was so kind and patient, as I was basically going down for five minutes of silence. I was ranting, but it was honestly a good time of reflection just to hear the things that you've done over the years.
It feels like it's a big weight lifted off my shoulders—not only to be forgiven for my sins, but to release all that in general.
So if you're going through the same journey as me, go to confession. I know it can be scary—trust me. But just pray to God to give you strength, keep you humble, and guide you through it.
Love you, and God bless.”
Hundreds of users responded to the video. Many even shared their personal testimonies of returning to the sacrament of reconciliation.
Here’s what some people said about Wille Prince-Mata’s return to confession:
“Went to confession a few weeks ago for my first time in YEARS, and trying to make it a weekly habit now. Such a good way to grow that relationship with God,” one user said.
“I went to Confession this past Advent season, for the first time in 28 years. There is no better gift I have ever received. HAPPY FOR YOU!” another person commented.
“I'm so happy for you,” someone else shared. “I went back to confession for the first time since 2017 just before Advent this past holiday season. It has drawn me back so much closer to Christ and is strengthening my relationship with our God.”
“One of my rosary intentions is prayer for those who have not confessed or received communion in a long time,” another person added. “You are evidence of an answered prayer. Thank you for sharing!”