Priest forgot words of absolution?

[Memaw]

So you think that should suffice for those sins which might not have been absolved? Just asking.

By the way, your Fr.Z web page was not found.

Yes I do and so does the Church. Go to post 8 and try again for Fr. Z. God Bless, Memaw

 

[Benedict_MAC]

I think its important to understand that, while God is Great and Merciful, and “can” forgive our sins without the Sacrament, that’s not the way He set it up. If you did not receive absolution, then you did not receive the Sacrament. God “is” beyond the Sacraments and “could have” forgiven you, but without the Sacrament, how can you be sure. I would talk to the priest to be certain. If he doesn’t believe it is important then I would find a different priest!

 

[ProVobis]

I can understand that a priest who hears confessions (and gives absolution) in more than one language, might have more difficulty. Around here I’ve only heard one form of absolution, but that’s not to say that some of the priests might not hear confessions in other languages.

Even so, I think it would not be that difficult to memorize the words of absolution in more than one language, or at least carry a card with the proper form. I have a hard time thinking that a priest can actually forget the words of absolution and be forced to ad-lib!

If only they could get everyone to understand “Te absolvo…”

 

[Phil502]

I have a hard time believing that God works like the IRS, one box unchecked and the whole form is worthless. Someone who goes to confession and admits their sins is heard. If the OP is not comfortable with what the Priest said, than by all means go back and make another confession.

The Lord can judge fully and without error and as I’ve read by people far more knowledgeable then I, with great mercy.

 

[porthos11]

I have a hard time believing that God works like the IRS, one box unchecked and the whole form is worthless. Someone who goes to confession and admits their sins is heard. If the OP is not comfortable with what the Priest said, than by all means go back and make another confession.

The Lord can judge fully and without error and as I’ve read by people far more knowledgeable then I, with great mercy.

And yet, this is how God has ordained his Sacraments.

If the priest does not say “This is my Body…This is my Blood”, there is no Mass. Without water, there is no Baptism.

If the priest does not say “I absolve you” or whatever form his ritual church requires, there is no absolution. Even if one’s sins are forgiven by the effort, an invalid absolution means the reconciliation is not complete.

This is why priests should get it through their heads: DO NOT MESS WITH SACRAMENTAL FORMULAS!!!