No penance from priest....is this a valid confession?

[joeylig]

Recently, I met with my parish priest to discuss a sin I committed 12 years ago. After we had a lengthy conversation I asked if I could do a confession. At the time, he was not wearing the typical garment worn by priests during confession. He did lay his hands on my head afterwards and said a prayer, then absolved me but did not mention any penance. Is this a valid confession, or do I need to go again?

 

[Fauken]

Is this a valid confession, or do I need to go again?

Penance is not required for a valid absolution. Your confession was valid. Be at peace, and mention that you were not previously assigned a penance during your last confession to the priest the next time you go.

 

[MaryEstelle2]

Of course it was valid. He probably considered a ‘sin’ weighing on your mind for 12 years was penance enough. Sometimes our own self-inflicted punishments are greater than the ‘crime.’ Trust your priest.

 

[joeylig]

Thank you! God bless!

 

[HeDa]

Pray for the priest that he will hear many more confessions of repentant sinners.