Confession Validity Words of Absolution

[imo]

Hello. In the past, I confessed with a priest that comes from a more “liberal” background if I may say. The problem is, after sometime, after listening to someone that have a problem with a priest that didn’t said the absolution form correct, it started bugging me if this priest has possibly done the same mistake in my confession, since they were from the same diocese (that is in general not very traditional).

I confessed multiple times afterwards with other priests. Should I repeat my confession that I made with that priest just in case? Try to confess with him again to “speculate” more attentively if he says the formula correctly? Or should I just let it go?

I think he said the formula, I remember the “absolve you from your sins…” I don’t remember the “I” or the “name of the Father…” one. It is not like I think he didn’t said, I just don’t remember.

 

[UpUpAndAway]

As you say, you don’t remember. Give him the benefit of the doubt and let it go.

 

[Soubirous1]

you went to confession with good intentions and you’re absolved from your sins. God’s not a bean counter and He knows your heart.

 

[Paul_Edwards]

Perhaps to be certain, are there not any particularly devout clergy in your area? Perhaps normally choose a certain priest who you are certain does it properly from experience. Is there a Fraternity of St Peter nearby that you could confess at etc? Perhaps even traveling there once a month (or more) to confess would relax your mind.

Don’t worry, I also used to worry about things like this, as well as whether I had the correct advice etc, and then I found a solution to the problem: there is an FSSP Church about 40 minutes away from me (and an a ICKSP Church not much further)

 

[imo]

Thanks. Now I have other priests that I confess closely that are more traditional. I am worried about the Validity of that specific confession.

 

[Paul_Edwards]

Perhaps you could explain all that to one of those confessors, and perhaps suggest to them that they allow a conditional confession of all your sins since that one for peace of mind and grant conditional absolution.

I think it’s most likely you’ve just forgot what he said. Surely if it was the case you would’ve noticed then and not afterwards, but if your concerned perhaps explain everything in confession and arrive there at the beginning on a Saturday when nobody else has yet arrived (assuming confessions are on for about an hour then)

 

[Dovekin]

If you have received absolution more recently, then all your sins have been forgiven. The only way they might not be is if you were intentionally not confessing them, but that is not the case here.

If you are bothered by the sins at your earlier confessions, not by the rubrics of the confession, you can bring them up to a current confessor.

God has forgiven you. Be at peace.

 

[po18guy]

Are you scrupulous? From the (very) limited information given, it sounds like you might be. Would God be so petty as to hold your sins bound because of a choice of words - especially those uttered by another? Not!

Christ used differing formulas. “You sins are forgiven” is one form, but He also said “Neither do I (condemn you). Go and sin no more” and “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”

Which was valid?

Clearly all three.

If it still bugs you, simply ask Father at your next confession.

 

[InThePew]

Thanks. Now I have other priests that I confess closely that are more traditional. I am worried about the Validity of that specific confession.

It’s always a worry imho when “traditional” means a priest doing what he’s supposed to do! Sadly, I’ve had the same experience of having been left wondering whether my confession was valid. I certainly use the standard formula when hearing confessions but can’t unfortunately say the same about all priests! That said, the operative words are “I absolve you from your sins” and the trinitarian formula - not that taking a bare minimum approach should be ever be idea but nonetheless. Besides that though, there’s also the important fact that the priest doesn’t absolve you through his own power / ability but rather that of God working through him. So despite a dodgy formula I would say that you’re still absolved as long as you’ve done everything you need to do. The Lord has freed you from your sins, go in peace and pray for priests who can’t seem to remember to use the proper formula!