Does Father Need To Say The Words Of Absolution Aloud?

[TheDoctor]

Background: Over on another thread we were discussing a situation where a penitent went in and made a good and sincere confession but the Priest did not say the words of absolution. So, was absolution received?

A respondent posted this:
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthrea…ght=absolution

The form of absolution is in the Catechism @ 1449 but there is nothing in the Catechism or the Code of Canon law that says the Priest has to say the absolution for absolution to take place.

Questions:
(a) Does anyone have additional references for this?
(b) Does the Priest have to say the words of absolution aloud for absolution to take place or can he say them silently to himself?
(c) Coming off (b), can the Priest say one absolution at the end of hearing confessions or does he need to say the words every time?
(d) Assuming the Priest just forgets to say the words, but means to absolve the penitent, is absolution given?

 

[HOPEFUL_IN_UK]

I’ve seen this come up before. I think the priest has to say the formula out loud. I think that when a priest does not, he should be asked to do so. I cannot imagine why a priest would refuse to do it.

 

[porthos11]

I’ve seen this come up before. I think the priest has to say the formula out loud. I think that when a priest does not, he should be asked to do so. I cannot imagine why a priest would refuse to do it.

He does not. In the older rite, priests asked the penitent to recite the Act of Contrition while they said the words of absolution. Typically, they did it silently or in a low voice difficult to hear.

 

[HOPEFUL_IN_UK]

I don’t know what you mean by “saying it silently” but it would imply that he is still saying it, even if it’s inaudible. In the old days, nobody doubted what the priests were doing. These days, there are priests who change the sacraments - their form, their matter, their intention - and so some sacrements are even rendered invalid. I think it would be prudent for priests to say it audibly - even if it’s softly or while the act of contrition is being said - so that there is no confusion.

According to Fr. Serpa, the priest has to say the words of absolution.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Background: Over on another thread we were discussing a situation where a penitent went in and made a good and sincere confession but the Priest did not say the words of absolution. So, was absolution received?

A respondent posted this:
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthrea…ght=absolution

The form of absolution is in the Catechism @ 1449 but there is nothing in the Catechism or the Code of Canon law that says the Priest has to say the absolution for absolution to take place.

Questions:
(a) Does anyone have additional references for this?
(b) Does the Priest have to say the words of absolution aloud for absolution to take place or can he say them silently to himself?
(c) Coming off (b), can the Priest say one absolution at the end of hearing confessions or does he need to say the words every time?
(d) Assuming the Priest just forgets to say the words, but means to absolve the penitent, is absolution given?

Did you look in the Rite of Penance. Which would be the proper place to look for this instruction.

 

[TheDoctor]

Did you look in the Rite of Penance. Which would be the proper place to look for this instruction.

Br. Rich - no sir, I did not. I was not aware of it. I will try to look for it on-line. Would you happen to know of a link?

P.S. - that’s the great thing about posting here, there is SO much knowledge freely shared!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Br. Rich - no sir, I did not. I was not aware of it. I will try to look for it on-line. Would you happen to know of a link?

P.S. - that’s the great thing about posting here, there is SO much knowledge freely shared!

No, I have a paper copy out in the office. I don’t know where it would be online.