Formal confessions

[71coog]

I am somewhat of a history buff and would be interested in knowing when the Church first began formal confessions to a priest.

 

[Maximilian75]

Sacrament of Penance - Wikipedia

It developed slowly over time. The Shepherd of Hermas, a document from the 1st century, lays the foundation for modern Catholic Confession.

The Individual, 1on1 practice began in the 1200s ish.

 

[BridgetN]

It mentions in the Bible that people cam to the Apostles and confessed their sins, and it mentions the same thing in St. James’ Epistle.

 

[steve-b]

I am somewhat of a history buff and would be interested in knowing when the Church first began formal confessions to a priest.

One actually has to ask

How would the following take place, given the apostles are given the power by Jesus to forgive or retain sins of others, but aren’t given the power to read minds?

Kinda presumes in order for an apostle, to forgive or retain forgiveness of a friend, family member, or complete stranger, one needed to confess their sins out loud to an apostle. Historically, confessing sins outloud, is to a validly ordained (in apostolic succession) priest or bishop.

outloud confession

 

[71coog]

Thanks Max. Actually your are the only one that gave me what I was searching for. I am familiar with what Jesus told the apostles and the early church but I was not sure when our present day practice began. I thought it was sometime in the middle ages. Thanks.

 

[thistle]

I am somewhat of a history buff and would be interested in knowing when the Church first began formal confessions to a priest.

https://qmbarque.com/2013/10/30/the-origins-of-mandatory-private-confession-in-the-catholic-church/