Scrupulosity

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coeyannie

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I am and have been scrupulous for a great part of my life. I made a retreat about five weeks ago, and it was especially designed for people with Scrupulosity/OCD. The priest gave us a “generic confession” to use. I think that because of the scrupulosity, many of us there were skeptical to use it, although we went to confession while on retreat and most of us did use it. I showed it to my spiritual director and he disagreed with it. I have decided that I am not going to go shopping for another spiritual director, but neither am I going back to see him.

I will shop around for a Confessor, because I think it is crucial that I have someone who knows what I’m about. My question is: Do you think it is easier for the Confessor and the penitient to be face to face for confession in a case like this? Usually when I tell the priest I am scrupulous, he doesn’t make any comment. I really think that the great percentage of priests do not know how to deal with it, or don’t want to. Also, if I would find someone, would I keep going to him, or indicate in some way that I would like him to be my confessor.

Any help you can offer would be most appreciative.

God Bless.
 
If you have a regular confessor and he told you that you were scrupulous then I would sit face to face with a pen in hand asking the advice on the areas that you are to scrupulous in. I hear this from people but often the things they have been told they are scrupulous about is venial sin and confessing it is good for the soul. So I just wondered if someone actually told you that or you just thinik you are?

But I would go face to face and work on the problem either way with a regular confessor. One who can counsel you and give good spiritual direction.
 
Tony,

Thanks for your reply. I don’t think anyone “just thinks” they are scrupulous, if you are, you certainly know it, because it is emotionally very painful. It actually is a manifestation of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The Confessor cannot cure the scrupulous penitent, but can help him manage it, with the cooperation and utmost obedience of the penitent. Usually, outside therapy is suggested, and also, many people are on medication.

It is a subject that “normal” people tend to run away from because they don’t understand it, and can’t possibly figure out why someone would think they are constantly in the state of mortal sin. You have to have a sense of humor, that’s for sure.

God Bless.
 
Coeyannie sorry I did not know any of that. Though I have met some people who have told me they have been told they are to scrupulous, but it seemed to me that they were told that by priests who did not want to see them in confession so often. (Like once a month) But thank you for the information on the truly scrupulous person. I will pray for you. Is there any prayer or daily Mass, adoration or something else that can help this? Or is it a medication only? Did you ever look into the herb world? I am just curious cause I never understood how very hard this must be on people.
 
Dear coeyannie,

I think that for a person like you, who seems to have quite a bit of knowledge and experience, spiritually speaking, a regular confessor is best for you since you’re not just going to confession like an average person. You have specific difficulties which are quite deep and take time to uncover and discuss. To keep going to different confessors would just make it harder and take longer to come to any breakthroughs. So, i would suggest that you stick with a priest who seems to know what you’re going through. Give him some time, though.

Also, if you in the position of needing medication for OCD, then you’ll need more than a confessor. You could have Padre Pio and still not get far if you aren’t also getting other, professional help.

(By the way, I am a member in the Order of Carmelites, Discalced…and am not obsessive/compulsive. :))
 
Br. Dan:
(By the way, I am a member in the Order of Carmelites, Discalced…and am not obsessive/compulsive. :))
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OCD! I never thought of that.:rotfl:
 
Thanks Bro. Dan, for your kind words. The big problem is finding a confessor. I try to stick to two or three priests, because they are orthodox, and I don’t want to make the mistake of going to someone who is not going to hold me accountable for the real sins. I know a confessor can’t “cure” you, but, like I said, he can help a penitent manage it.

Also, Tony, there is therapy for OCD, specifically. I had been going to a therapist, and he told me to miss Mass, and sit by the lake, or read a book. I told him I could not do that, so the relationship stagnated. I do see him occasionally. He is not Catholic, and does not understand Catholicism. I am going to take Father Santa’s book to him, called “Understanding Scrupulosity”, in case he has Catholic clients. I did find a therapist, a Catholic woman, but she is not on my insurance plan. I will have to figure that one out.

God Bless and thanks.
 
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