Perfect Contrition is possible?

[rom422]

Hopefully Susan, who would likely be suspect of heresy, examined the likelihood that she had excommunicated herself by heresy (can. 1364) and/or procuring abortions (can. 1398)…because if she did not examine this, and was in fact excommunicated, her confession of sins would not be efficacious, nor would the priest’s absolution.

– Nicole

Those who procured abortion, but did not know that they would be excommunicated by that act, are not necessarily excommunicated. If, at the time that the abortion was procured they were aware that it was an excommunicable offense, then they could still go to confession upon repentance, and if the confessor happens to have the faculty to grant absolution not only for the sin but also for the excommunication, then the excommunication can be absolved; otherwise, the confessor must direct them to the Bishop (or to another confessor with the required faculty) to obtain absolution for the excommunication.

I am not an expert on canon law, but I happen to read some facts about this at ewtn.com/expert/answers/abortio2.htm. Very interesting reading actually.

 

[yablabo]

Those who procured abortion, but did not know that they would be excommunicated by that act, are not necessarily excommunicated. If, at the time that the abortion was procured they were aware that it was an excommunicable offense, then they could still go to confession upon repentance, and if the confessor happens to have the faculty to grant absolution not only for the sin but also for the excommunication, then the excommunication can be absolved; otherwise, the confessor must direct them to the Bishop (or to another confessor with the required faculty) to obtain absolution for the excommunication.

I am not an expert on canon law, but I happen to read some facts about this at ewtn.com/expert/answers/abortio2.htm. Very interesting reading actually.

I understand what you’re saying, but I also am not saying that Susan from the example was in fact excommunicated, only that the likelihood ought to be examined.

In the danger of death, any priest has the jurisdiction to lift an excommunication. However, I would say it would be best to stick with what Canon Law prescribes: outside of the danger of death, seek a priest with the jurisdiction to lift excommunications (otherwise be like the widow was to the judge in scripture to your bishop), and make sure he uses the specific rite from the Roman Ritual to do so.

– Nicole

 

[rom422]

I understand what you’re saying, but I also am not saying that Susan from the example was in fact excommunicated, only that the likelihood ought to be examined.

In the danger of death, any priest has the jurisdiction to lift an excommunication. However, I would say it would be best to stick with what Canon Law prescribes: outside of the danger of death, seek a priest with the jurisdiction to lift excommunications (otherwise be like the widow was to the judge in scripture to your bishop), and make sure he uses the specific rite from the Roman Ritual to do so.

– Nicole

I agree 100%.

 

[Bookcat]

Hopefully Susan, who would likely be suspect of heresy, examined the likelihood that she had excommunicated herself by heresy (can. 1364) and/or procuring abortions (can. 1398)…because if she did not examine this, and was in fact excommunicated, her confession of sins would not be efficacious, nor would the priest’s absolution.

– Nicole

Nicole,

The fictional example given was given for another purpose.

No need to get into the question of excommunication etc. We will assume Fr. Peter is well aware of what is needed here and had the required faculties to lift any incurred excommunication etc. And all this was taken care of.

 

[fakename]

Another related question: is perfect contrition a habitual thought, that is, is it thought constantly (like an attitude) or is it sufficient that it be thought only once?

 

[Bookcat]

Another related question: is perfect contrition a habitual thought, that is, is it thought constantly (like an attitude) or is it sufficient that it be thought only once?

Humm…I suppose one could say have the grace of “perfect contrition” often or as a general disposition etc.

Certainly we seek to make by grace an “act” of perfect contrition.

 

[fakename]

just to be sure,

is perfect contrition a vow as opposed to a resolution? That is, do you vow to go to confession or is it just a resolution to go?

 

[Bookcat]

just to be sure,

is perfect contrition a vow as opposed to a resolution? That is, do you vow to go to confession or is it just a resolution to go?

No it is not a “vow” per se

A private vow is a very particular thing…