Question about Confession

[Francis_Pio]

Earlier today, I went to confession, face to face, and the priest was not wearing a stole. From what I know, confession without the stole is valid, but not licit. Not wanting to have mine, or anyone else’s confession be illicit, I asked him before confessing “I don’t mean to be rude, Father, but do you have a stole?” He got up, took one out of a drawer, put it on, and that was that. Everything from then on seemed properly done. Was I right in doing this?

 

[Cristiano]

Earlier today, I went to confession, face to face, and the priest was not wearing a stole. From what I know, confession without the stole is valid, but not licit. Not wanting to have mine, or anyone else’s confession be illicit, I asked him before confessing “I don’t mean to be rude, Father, but do you have a stole?” He got up, took one out of a drawer, put it on, and that was that. Everything from then on seemed properly done. Was I right in doing this?

When it is possible, to follow procedures, both the priest and the laity should follow them. What you did was appropriate. When it it not possible, then flexibility within the valid boundaries of the sacraments should apply. I found myself receiving confession on the other side of the world, in the parking lot of a parish, from a priest wearing lay clothing. He understood that I really needed to confess and I still thank the Lord for this priest that extended his pastoral care to me. The absolution form was valid and the intent too.

 

[John_Lilburne]

…From what I know, confession without the stole is valid, but not licit. …

The liturgical book, Rite of Penance, has:
“LITURGICAL VESTMENTS
14. With resect to liturgical vestments in the celebration of penance, the norms laid down by the local Ordinaries are to be followed.”
(The Rites Volume One, Liturgical Press, 1990, ISBN: 0-8146-6015-0, page 534).

So it depends on what the bishop has directed about this.