Is it okay to tell what priest said in confession?

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Veronica97

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I know the priest is bound not to tell what I’ve said in confession, but am I bound not to tell what the priest said to me in confession? For instance, if I’m speaking with a friend and I want to share with her what the priest advised me to do about confessing doubtful mortal sins, can I do that? We both have OCD and we talk mainly about our struggles with faith and scruples. Tonight the priest said something to me that gave me a lot of comfort and I feel almost like I’ve had a breakthrough. The advice differs from what scrupulous anonymous gives, but I really felt Jesus was speaking to me tonight through the priest. Is it okay to share some of the things the priest says to me in confession?
 
My best guess would be to ask the priest if he is okay with you sharing what he says. If he says it is no problem, knock yourself out. If he prefers you did not, respect that and keep the information to yourself.

I do not know the “official” rules on this, but the priest will.
 
Only the priest and anyone who overhears (accidentally or otherwise) a confession are bound by silence. The penitent receiving the counsel/advice of the priest is not. You are the one receiving the counsel; you get to decide whether to keep it private or share it with others.
 
Veronica97 said:
I know the priest is bound not to tell what I’ve said in confession, but am I bound not to tell what the priest said to me in confession? For instance, if I’m speaking with a friend and I want to share with her what the priest advised me to do about confessing doubtful mortal sins, can I do that? We both have OCD and we talk mainly about our struggles with faith and scruples. Tonight the priest said something to me that gave me a lot of comfort and I feel almost like I’ve had a breakthrough. The advice differs from what scrupulous anonymous gives, but I really felt Jesus was speaking to me tonight through the priest. Is it okay to share some of the things the priest says to me in confession?
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You are free to discuss what occurs in the confessional. However, if you do you may give up any right in a future legal proceeding to secrecy in regards to your confession(s). I do not ever talk about what is said during confession.
 
juno24 said:
Only the priest and anyone who overhears (accidentally or otherwise) a confession are bound by silence. The penitent receiving the counsel/advice of the priest is not. You are the one receiving the counsel; you get to decide whether to keep it private or share it with others.
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One time I mentioned to my husband that I could hear a priest laughing really loudly during someone’s confession. I heard no actual words and I wouldn’t have repeated them if I had. I also didn’t tell my husband who the penitent was (I didn’t know him anyway); however, my husband did know which priest I was speaking about. Did this violate the seal of confession?
 
Talking about what a priest told you in confession is a bit tricky. No, you are not bound to the seal of the confessional. However, you may misinterpret what the priest has said or take advice that was specific to your situation and make it sound like it applies to everyone. This often leads to charges that Fr. So-and-so isn’t orthodox or gives bad advice, and the priest cannot defend himself.

I’m a great believer in keeping things private if you want them to remain private. And what happens in confession certainly falls in this category.
 
Veronica97 said:
One time I mentioned to my husband that I could hear a priest laughing really loudly during someone’s confession. I heard no actual words and I wouldn’t have repeated them if I had. I also didn’t tell my husband who the penitent was (I didn’t know him anyway); however, my husband did know which priest I was speaking about. Did this violate the seal of confession?
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I very much doubt it. You heard nothing of the confession itself, and revealed no information.
 
SuscipeMeDomine said:
Talking about what a priest told you in confession is a bit tricky. No, you are not bound to the seal of the confessional. However, you may misinterpret what the priest has said or take advice that was specific to your situation and make it sound like it applies to everyone. This often leads to charges that Fr. So-and-so isn’t orthodox or gives bad advice, and the priest cannot defend himself.

I’m a great believer in keeping things private if you want them to remain private. And what happens in confession certainly falls in this category.
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Point well-taken. I decided against sharing with my friend what the priest said and will keep my confessions private from now on for this very reason. Thanks!
 
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