Do penitents have the right to kneel for Confession?

[FrancescaMaria]

If I kneel before the priest for Confession and he tells me not to kneel and to sit instead, do I have the right to insist and remain kneeling on the floor, or do I have to obey the priest and sit in the chair? Is it inappropriate and impolite to kneel against the priest’s wishes? (It is about face-to-face Confessions by appointment in the priest’s office, which is the most common type of this sacrament here and I like it very much, but kneeling makes a difference to me.)

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

The kneeling posture is the traditional posture for asking forgiveness. It is certainly appropriate for the sacrament of Confession. If you feel uncomfortable with this priest, find another confessor.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.