Absolution: full formula required?

[Tannhauser]

Is it necessary for a valid absolution for the full formula “God the Father of mercies…” to be used? or can it be a simple “I absolve you in the name of…” ?

And: does absolution remit all and every sin up the that point?

Please help.

 

[DavidFilmer]

Is it necessary for a valid absolution for the full formula “God the Father of mercies…” to be used? or can it be a simple “I absolve you in the name of…” ?

Each Sacrament has a required form. In the case of penance, the form is: “I absolve you from your sins” (or the equivalent in some other language).

So the Sacrament would be valid if the priest said only this. However, it is irregular for a priest to deviate from the prescriptions of the rite without just cause. If he does so, the Sacrament is still valid, but illicit (and the priest may incur sin upon himself in the process).

It’s hard to imagine why a priest would deviate from the Rite. Maybe if there were a ticking time-bomb, and he only had time to say the minimum form…

And: does absolution remit all and every sin up the that point?

Yes.

 

[Tannhauser]

Each Sacrament has a required form. In the case of penance, the form is: “I absolve you from your sins” (or the equivalent in some other language).

So the Sacrament would be valid if the priest said only this. However, it is irregular for a priest to deviate from the prescriptions of the rite without just cause. If he does so, the Sacrament is still valid, but illicit (and the priest may incur sin upon himself in the process).

It’s hard to imagine why a priest would deviate from the Rite. Maybe if there were a ticking time-bomb, and he only had time to say the minimum form…

Yes.

Tell me about it!

When I entered Confession, he asked me “what was on my mind,” (or something to that effect) and didn’t give for the opportunity of “In the Name of…” to guide my Confession.

As regards my Confession, he gave me advice that admittedly left me a little troubled (basically his advice seemed potentially unsound from a Scriptural/ Magisterium perspective) but then I am in no position to second-guess a Priest I assume.

As regards Absolution, he said something along the lines of “I absolve you from any thing else you have done… in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

He didn’t even say “I absolve you of your sins” but then this website, which is the Catechism by the Council of Trent I believe, says the form of absolution is only*** I absolve thee***. catholicprimer.org/trent/catechism_of_trent.pdf

Should I even be speaking about this publicly? I assume it’s okay for the Penitent to discuss what happens outside of the Confessionary, so long as we’re not lying or embellishing the truth or libelling somebody.

Help. Advice?