Did I receive absolution?

[inthelamb]

I had a strange experience in Confession today. The priest realized there was a long line and I THINK as I was reciting my Act of Contrition, he gave me absolution. I heard him whispering and heard the words “Holy Spirit” and then when I was done he said “Amen” and I was dismissed without actually hearing the words of absolution myself. I was disappointed because I love hearing those words and I was wondering if I had in fact been given absolution. Has anyone heard of this? Do you think I was absolved even though the words were said (I presume) simultaneously with my words? He is a very holy priest and I know he felt the pressure of time today.

 

[Church_Militant]

Yes…try not to get all scrupulous about it. consider this: Did you make a good confession?

 

[inthelamb]

I made the best confession ever! I was worried that I am too scrupulous. I guess then by definition, I am!

 

[Church_Militant]

Then follow Jesus advice and “Go in peace, your sins are forgiven you.”

 

[baltobetsy]

inthelamb, that was the common way of receiving absolution years ago before the liturgical reforms that followed Vatican II. The words of absolution were spoken in Latin and simultaneously with the penitent’s act of contrition. Not to worry - it seems as if the priest reverted to the old way in order to save time. And even if the priest had made some sort of mistake, or accidentally omitted the words of absolution, you would have received the benefits of the Sacrament. You held up your end of the bargain, confessing your sins, expressing your sorrow and resolving to improve. Jesus holds up His end also. The technical term for this is ecclesia supplet (the Church supplies), meaning that whatever is lacking in the actions of the Church’s minister is made up by the Church when you do what you are supposed to do. You can relax.

Betsy

 

[Genesis315]

In my experience, some say it during the act of contrition, some say it after. I kinda like it after cause I can’t concentrate on what I’m saying while the priest is talking (am i weird?) I guess if he was speaking Latin it would be easier.

I once had a priest forget to ask me to make the act of contrition and it didn’t hit me until I had left the confessional. I just said it with my penance and figured I was fine. I wouldn’t worry about things like that.

 

[Mothers_Boy]

I have had this experience also. A new associate Pastor from Slovakia arrived over the summer and the first time I went to confession I couldn’t hear him speaking. I was to shy to ask him to speak up. He spoke almost silently while I made my Act of Contrition and then he dismissed me. I later told our Pastor what happened because I didn’t think I received a pennance. My Pastor called him out to me and related what I said. I was surprised to hear that the Associate was doing my pennence for me…WOW, I was humbled by this.