Absolution over the phone document?

[cjmurray94]

Hello,

I am aware that absolution cannot be given over the phone. I’m looking for the specific document, with citation for this. The CCC just says that it must be person-to-person. My understanding is there was an official ruling regarding confession over the telephone. That is what I’m looking for. Can anyone help me? Thanks.

 

[Fidelis]

Along with the CCC, Canon Law is pretty clear:

Can. 964 §1 The proper place for hearing sacramental confessions is a church or oratory.

**§2 ** As far as the confessional is concerned, norms are to be issued by the Episcopal Conference, with the proviso however that confessionals, which the faithful who so wish may freely use, are located in an open place, and fitted with a fixed grille between the penitent and the confessor.

§3 Except for a just reason, confessions are not to be heard elsewhere than in a confessional.

Here’s the link:

intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P3E.HTM

 

[cjmurray94]

Actually, I’m looking for something more specific to the phone issue. My understanding is there is such a document.

 

[Catholic2003]

Take a look at the June 1999 Newsletter of the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy, and scroll down to “The Sacraments via Electronic Communication”. The introductory paragraph reads:

The Secretariat for the Liturgy has received several inquiries concerning the celebration of the sacraments via various types of electronic communication. The celebration of the Sacrament of Penance via telephone, participation in Mass via television or the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation via video conference have on occasion been proposed. However, electronic communication via telephone, television, video conference or internet is not sufficient for the celebration of the sacraments. The celebration of the sacraments requires the physical and geographic presence of both the gathered faithful and the bishop, priest, deacon or other presiding minister.

 

[puzzleannie]

Again as always in considering the sacraments, we go back to what Christ gave us, which is the basis of proper form (words and actions) and valid matter (the physical, created things used) which effect the results promised in the words, actions, rites and symbols used to confer the sacrament. Christ’s healing of bodies and souls was by direct personal contact, one-on-one. He could have instituted the sacrament of penance by conducing a communal penance service and absolving everybody as they were seated on the ground waiting to be served their loaves and fishes, but He did not do so. He ordained his apostles to forgive sins and to heal, by direct personal contact, as He did, and by invoking His authority.

 

[Brendan]

Now lets take an extreme case.

Suppose someone was in the top of a burning building, or on a sinking ship.

Could they call their priest on a cell phone and ask for absolution?

Would such an absolution be valid and licit?

 

[Dr.Colossus]

Brendan:

Now lets take an extreme case.

Suppose someone was in the top of a burning building, or on a sinking ship.

Could they call their priest on a cell phone and ask for absolution?

Would such an absolution be valid and licit?

This might qualify as an act of perfect contrition, assuming their intention would be to go to confession if they survived

 

[vern_humphrey]

Dr. Colossus:

This might qualify as an act of perfect contrition, assuming their intention would be to go to confession if they survived

It is common in battle or in a disaster for a priest to give absolution without confession. At Anietam, the chaplain of the Irish Brigade rode out in front of the advancing brigade, and rode up and down the line giving absolution under fire.

 

[Voice_Of_Reason]

Brendan:

Now lets take an extreme case.

Suppose someone was in the top of a burning building, or on a sinking ship.

Could they call their priest on a cell phone and ask for absolution?

Would such an absolution be valid and licit?

That’s why I carry my Pardon Crucifix with me.

 

[NightRider]

vern humphrey:

It is common in battle or in a disaster for a priest to give absolution without confession. At Anietam, the chaplain of the Irish Brigade rode out in front of the advancing brigade, and rode up and down the line giving absolution under fire.

This is really interesting–I never knew this before. This was a very brave chaplain, willing to risk his own life for our Irish Brigade. I’m wondering if he was Irish, too?