Confession in a foreign language

[Gearoidin]

Has anyone ever gone to confession in a country where you don’t speak the language fluently and the priest can’t speak English? This is a problem I have here and I don’t know the best way to handle the situation. I can have normal daily conversations in Japanese but I can’t pray in Japanese and I can’t fully explain the situation when in confession. I rarely understand the homily at Mass either.
My priest says not to worry since God understands but I went to confession this morning before Mass and I am no even sure what penance he gave me.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Gearoidin

 

[Joseph_Bilodeau]

Since there are US military personnel stationed in Japan, there may be one or more Catholic chaplains there as well. If possible, you might contact one and explain your situation and ask him to hear your confession. Unless you are a member of the US military or a dependent of a member you will probably not be allowed into a military installation, but you may be able to make an appointment to meet the chaplain elsewhere.

 

[Gearoidin]

Joseph Bilodeau:

Since there are US military personnel stationed in Japan, there may be one or more Catholic chaplains there as well. If possible, you might contact one and explain your situation and ask him to hear your confession. Unless you are a member of the US military or a dependent of a member you will probably not be allowed into a military installation, but you may be able to make an appointment to meet the chaplain elsewhere.

I live in a very rural area and there are no military bases anywhere near. If I lived in a big city (Tokyo or Osaka), I would be able to find an English speaking priest .

Does it actually matter that the priest has no idea what I’m saying?

Gearoidin

 

[Joan_M]

I have had the experience of going to confession in Spanish, which I speak only a little. The priest spoke less English than I spoke Spanish, but we managed.

I prepared by examining my conscience, and then using a dictionary, I wrote down the things I needed to confess along with explanations of specific words, in case of need.

Although it wasn’t easy, and wasn’t as clear as I would have liked, I was satisfied that I had confessed what I needed to, that the priest understood what the sins were, and that I was repentant. That is what is necessary for absolution.

If you have a dictionary, or any book that might help, try this. It makes it easier. If necessary, show the priest the written words - a foreign pronunciation might make it more difficult for the priest to understand what you are saying.

 

[Gearoidin]

Joan M:

I have had the experience of going to confession in Spanish, which I speak only a little. The priest spoke less English than I spoke Spanish, but we managed.

I prepared by examining my conscience, and then using a dictionary, I wrote down the things I needed to confess along with explanations of specific words, in case of need.

Although it wasn’t easy, and wasn’t as clear as I would have liked, I was satisfied that I had confessed what I needed to, that the priest understood what the sins were, and that I was repentant. That is what is necessary for absolution.

If you have a dictionary, or any book that might help, try this. It makes it easier. If necessary, show the priest the written words - a foreign pronunciation might make it more difficult for the priest to understand what you are saying.

A dictionary would help, especially if I had everything written down beforehand. The confessionals are very dark and there is a very dense grill between the person and priest. I understand a lot more when talking face to face but that style confession isn’t done here. I’ll give the list and dictionary a try next time. He kind of sprung this on me this morning and I wasn’t very prepared. Thank you for your advice!.
What did you do about the act of contrition? I wasn’t even sure when I was supposed to say it and I don’t know it in Japanese.
He did give me absolution and said that even if he didn’t really understand, God did. I did feel much happier when I had finished.
Gearoidin

 

[Joseph_Bilodeau]

Gearoidin:

…What did you do about the act of contrition? I wasn’t even sure when I was supposed to say it and I don’t know it in Japanese…

There is no particular formula required for the Act of Contrition when one receives the Sacrament of Reconciliation, only that it be an expression of sorrow for our sins. It can be as simple as “Jesus, have mercy on me.” Perhaps you could memorize that in Japanese.

Some online translators translate this as

イエスは私の上に慈悲を持っています。, or

イエス・キリストに私の慈悲がある , or

イエスは私に慈悲を示します。 .

I don’t know if this will be helpful or not.