I forgive vs. I absolve?

[CHCatholic]

If my priest said I forgive you your sins instead of I absolve you from your sins, was the confession still valid?

 

[diggerdomer]

Yes

Although I’m curious…if this is really important, why don’t you ask your priest/confessor for the definitive answer [edited]?

 

[George_C]

Yes

Although I’m curious…if this is really important, why don’t you ask your priest/confessor for the definitive answer [edited]?

Maybe the OP thought the priest might get a little hot under the collar, no pun intended, if someone were to question him?

 

[Sir_Knight]

Yes

Although I’m curious…if this is really important, why don’t you ask your priest/confessor for the definitive answer rather than posting something here?

Also, maybe the OP wants to know if both carry the same meaning.

 

[diggerdomer]

Either way, the priest/confessor has to be dealt with. Right?

 

[Sir_Knight]

The same can be said for a good percentage of the questions posted on these forums.

 

[thistle]

If my priest said I forgive you your sins instead of I absolve you from your sins, was the confession still valid?

CCC 1449 The formula of absolution used in the Latin Church expresses the essential elements of this sacrament: the Father of mercies is the source of all forgiveness. He effects the reconciliation of sinners through the Passover of his Son and the gift of his Spirit, through the prayer and ministry of the Church:

God, the Father of mercies,
through the death and the resurrection of his Son
has reconciled the world to himself
and sent the Holy Spirit among us
for the forgiveness of sins;
through the ministry of the Church
may God give you pardon and peace,
and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the    Holy Spirit.

CCC 1481 The Byzantine Liturgy recognizes several formulas of absolution, in the form of invocation, which admirably express the mystery of forgiveness: “May the same God, who through the Prophet Nathan forgave David when he confessed his sins, who forgave Peter when he wept bitterly, the prostitute when she washed his feet with her tears, the publican, and the prodigal son, through me, a sinner, forgive you both in this life and in the next and enable you to appear before his awe-inspiring tribunal without condemnation, he who is blessed for ever and ever. Amen.”

 

[NeedImprovement]

It would appear that emphasis on the validity of this sacrament is hinged more upon the “matter” of the sacrament rather than a slight variation in its “form” in this case.

Although slightly complicated (for my cerebral limitations anyways) this link gives a fairly detailed overview … nice article.

opusangelorum.org/English/Virtueandsacrament.html

That Byzantine formula is beautifully worded. Thanks to the OP for posting it …

 

[drforjc]

Fr. Z posted on this recently.

A good point he made went along these lines

Say the correct, approved formula = certain validity
Use unapproved formulae = doubt is introduced as to the validity. While it may be valid, there is now an element of doubt which could be eliminated by just using the correct formula.

Say the black, do the red.

 

[NeedImprovement]

CCC 1449 The formula of absolution used in the Latin Church expresses the essential elements of this sacrament: the Father of mercies is the source of all forgiveness. He effects the reconciliation of sinners through the Passover of his Son and the gift of his Spirit, through the prayer and ministry of the Church:

God, the Father of mercies,
through the death and the resurrection of his Son
has reconciled the world to himself
and sent the Holy Spirit among us
for the forgiveness of sins;
through the ministry of the Church
may God give you pardon and peace,
and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the    Holy Spirit.

CCC 1481 The Byzantine Liturgy recognizes several formulas of absolution, in the form of invocation, which admirably express the mystery of forgiveness: “May the same God, who through the Prophet Nathan forgave David when he confessed his sins, who forgave Peter when he wept bitterly, the prostitute when she washed his feet with her tears, the publican, and the prodigal son, through me, a sinner, forgive you both in this life and in the next and enable you to appear before his awe-inspiring tribunal without condemnation, he who is blessed for ever and ever. Amen.”

My apologies - @ thistle : The thanks is to **you **for posting the Byzantine formula and to CHCatholic for posting the original question … (…you guys didn’t think I was joking about my cerebral limitations in post # 7 , did you?..Now you have some proof )