Are we bound to silence regarding our penance?

[Mia86]

Hello,

I was talking with my roommate about going to confession, partly because she wanted an explanation for my silence for a period of time (the penance I received). She said that she had been told by multiple priests that you weren’t supposed to reveal the penance you received, and that it was sinful to do so. I’m confused because I was told by a number of priests who were close family friends when I was growing up that it was ok to, and in some cases it helped to make sure that you didn’t fail in making a good penance.

So I guess I’m asking who would be correct in this. Because, if it turns out that I was wrong, I’d better go to confession again next week.

Thanks and God Bless!

~Mia
Houston, TX

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Mia,

Your are correct. One is not bound by what is called the seal of confession regarding one’s on confession. Should you over-hear something from another’s confession, however, then you are bound by the seal as much as the priest is.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.

P.S. Next time, please use a larger font. The one you used is hard to read.