Seal of confession?

[Hopey]

Actually, they are judged by the priest in question; he is the person who makes the judgment that no sacrament had started. And most cases end there.

This case went to the bishop not because the priest could not make a determination. It went there because the OP was under the mistaken assumption that if someone walked into the confessional, the seal applied. She did not understand the explanation the priest gave, so she spoke with the bishop.

As she noted, the bishop gave a less detailed explanation than has been given in these posts; and it is also obvious that other posters have had difficulty understanding longer explanations given in these posts.

Does that mean that in another case, the bishop will be involved? No, it does not.

What was determined was that there was no seal, because there was no attempt to confess. Another way of saying it was that the bishop determined that the individual who entered the confessional and vented did not intend to confess; so not sacrament, so no seal.

Which is what the priest determined, and which is what the bishop, after the OP went to him, confirmed after an examination.

So, to sum up your advice, the priest is always correct in the way he determines whether or not an attempt occurred, or if the seal was broken. Is that a fair sum of what you just said? That her concern wasn’t valid, she should have listened to her priest?

 

[InLight247]

**
After hearing all the parties, the bishop decided the priest was proper and the seal was not broken and it was explained to me, tho not as thoroughly as it was here, how I was in error.

I am aware this is a serious matter. That’s why I refused specifics, identities and instead of chit-chating all over town, went to the bishop as I was advised to do was the proper thing.**

Breaking the seal of confession is a very serious accusation to a priest. Thank God the bishop properly followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit and clearly knew the priest did nothing wrong!

The priest must have the best intention when he mentioned this young adult’s attitude to you because you have a close relationship with this young adult, and you are in a position to help this young person. The priest had a genuine concern about this young man’s attitude, that’s why he let you know so you could help him(or her). And all his loving care was mis-interpreted and reported to his superior with suspicion of the serious violation of a priest’s duty. Imagine how would you feel if you were the priest. Wouldn’t you feel hurt when your intention is twisted, your integrity is scandalized, and the false scandal even be brought to your superior? It is unbelievable some poster mentioned the priest should not feel hurt.

I understand your eagerness of protecting the seal of confession. But there was no confession happened and nothing could possibly be broken. We really have to be careful, especially accusing a priest to his bishop. I pray the good priest’s heart be healed soon.

A Rosary of reparation has been said.

 

[pianistclare]

Breaking the seal of confession is a very serious accusation to a priest. Thank God the bishop properly followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit and clearly knew the priest did nothing wrong!

The priest must have the best intention when he mentioned this young adult’s attitude to you because you have a close relationship with this young adult, and you are in a position to help this young person. The priest had a genuine concern about this young man’s attitude, that’s why he let you know so you could help him(or her). And all his loving care was mis-interpreted and reported to his superior with suspicion of the serious violation of a priest’s duty. Imagine how would you feel if you were the priest. Wouldn’t you feel hurt when your intention is twisted, your integrity is scandalized, and the false scandal even be brought to your superior? It is unbelievable some poster mentioned the priest should not feel hurt.

I understand your eagerness of protecting the seal of confession. But there was no confession happened and nothing could possibly be broken. We really have to be careful, especially accusing a priest to his bishop. I pray the good priest’s heart be healed soon.

A Rosary of reparation has been said.

Agreed. In spades. Someone asked me to look over this thread, and by post 45 I was exhausted. A non-issue that went way too far. As a person that works in a parish, people always “think” they know what’s going on , and they seldom do.
Poor guy. I too, hope that he is healed. And for those people who are constantly encouraging people to run to the Bishop…cut it out.
Fr. David answered the question pages ago. There’s not much difference from running all over town and running all over the internet. Thank God most people “got it”.
No confession, no seal.

 

[otjm]

So, to sum up your advice, the priest is always correct in the way he determines whether or not an attempt occurred, or if the seal was broken. Is that a fair sum of what you just said? That her concern wasn’t valid, she should have listened to her priest?

Did I say the priest is always correct?

No, I did not say that. Nor did I even imply that.

As to the OP, she has spoken for herself; why are you asking me to put words in her mouth?

Go back and read her post 116 again if you want to know what she said.

 

[Rob_s_Wife]

Just on the side, I am not sure the priest should have revealed he was deeply wounded. That it was examined and he found correct would have been a cause to rejoice!

Why should he not? He didn’t state it. He didn’t whine. But I’m not as stupid as my original post here might imply. I can tell the look of a wounded man when I see one with my own two eyes. Being a priest doesn’t change that he is a man. He is under no obligation to put on a fake face to me or others, nor is he obligated to hide his emotions. When I see a person in pain, my response is not to be angry they had the audacity to inflict the image upon polite society. My response is to feel shame I caused it and strive to mend it.

 

[Rob_s_Wife]

Breaking the seal of confession is a very serious accusation to a priest. Thank God the bishop properly followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit and clearly knew the priest did nothing wrong!

The priest must have the best intention when he mentioned this young adult’s attitude to you because you have a close relationship with this young adult, and you are in a position to help this young person. The priest had a genuine concern about this young man’s attitude, that’s why he let you know so you could help him(or her). And all his loving care was mis-interpreted and reported to his superior with suspicion of the serious violation of a priest’s duty. Imagine how would you feel if you were the priest. Wouldn’t you feel hurt when your intention is twisted, your integrity is scandalized, and the false scandal even be brought to your superior? It is unbelievable some poster mentioned the priest should not feel hurt.

I understand your eagerness of protecting the seal of confession. But there was no confession happened and nothing could possibly be broken. We really have to be careful, especially accusing a priest to his bishop. I pray the good priest’s heart be healed soon.

A Rosary of reparation has been said.

**I think you are confusing posters.

One, I understand NOW why he would feel this way and have not said one word about it other than sorrow I caused it. I certainly don’t fault him for it.

Two, a concern is not the same as an accusation to my mind. I didn’t want to discuss this concern with everyone and I didn’t have a clue how to bring it up to this priest (which is my lack, not his), so I did as advised and brought my CONCERN to the bishop. I never made an accusation and I never implied or stated I felt the priest had anything other than good and caring intentions. I sought counsel from the bishop on a grave matter that I was concerned and confused about. And when I was found in error, I quickly and shame-faced took responsibility for it and expressed sorrow and asked forgiveness despite my own struggle to grasp this. One can fault me for not going straight to the priest, which I accept.**

 

[Sarah_Sinner]

I love Confession. I was really nervous recently coz I had my hardest confession ever and thought the priest would get mad with me, but he said “You’ve just made a good honest Confession…” I was like: Alleluia! Just wanted to share that

 

[Holly3278]

I would agree that the Seal of Confession does not apply until the Confession actually starts. If the person has no intent to Confess then there is no Sacrament. That said, I still think that anything said while in the Confessional should be secret unless the person says that priest can mention it outside of the Confessional and this only applies to things said outside of the Confession itself. From what I understand, if a priest violates the Seal of the Confessional, he is automatically excommunicated. I have heard, but I am not sure that this excommunication can only be lifted by the Pope.

 

[InLight247]

To OP:
Your acknowledgement of your new understanding is commendable. But I am surprised that how you could have no clue how to bring it up with the priest, yet you have no hesitation to bring it up with the bishop.

The fact you bring your “concern” to the priest’s superior without first giving the priest an opportunity to explain, is an “accusation” in nature.

Orignially by pianistclare
A non-issue that went way too far.
And for those people who are constantly encouraging people to run to the Bishop…cut it out.

 

[Hopey]

Why should he not? He didn’t state it. He didn’t whine. But I’m not as stupid as my original post here might imply. I can tell the look of a wounded man when I see one with my own two eyes. Being a priest doesn’t change that he is a man. He is under no obligation to put on a fake face to me or others, nor is he obligated to hide his emotions. When I see a person in pain, my response is not to be angry they had the audacity to inflict the image upon polite society. My response is to feel shame I caused it and strive to mend it.

I understand completely!

 

[Hopey]

Did I say the priest is always correct?

No, I did not say that. Nor did I even imply that.

As to the OP, she has spoken for herself; why are you asking me to put words in her mouth?

Go back and read her post 116 again if you want to know what she said.

“The priest in question has a bachelor’s degree and at least one Masters; he is specifically trained in being a confessor. He was there (unlike any posters herein); he is trained to make these decisions; the evidence was perfectly clear (the kid said he felt he wa being coerced); the kid displayed anger along with that feeling of coercion”

^^ That is what you said in post 126.
I have read her post and glad it is all settled for her.

 

[Hopey]

To OP:
Your acknowledgement of your new understanding is commendable. But I am surprised that how you could have no clue how to bring it up with the priest, yet you have no hesitation to bring it up with the bishop.

The fact you bring your “concern” to the priest’s superior without first giving the priest an opportunity to explain, is an “accusation” in nature.

I would have done the same as she simply because IF it was a break, the person discussing it was supposed to deal with it in a very discreet manner and the proper people. We are supposed to be able to bring our concerns to our Bishop and/or priests. In this situation, because of what it could have dealt with, required her to be very careful till she understood.

 

[Rob_s_Wife]

To OP:
Your acknowledgement of your new understanding is commendable. But I am surprised that how you could have no clue how to bring it up with the priest, yet you have no hesitation to bring it up with the bishop.

The fact you bring your “concern” to the priest’s superior without first giving the priest an opportunity to explain, is an “accusation” in nature.

**
Okay. Whatever you say.

I think it is normal to not be able to talk comfortable with someone you are more familiar with than someone who is intended to be an objective third party. Speaking to that assigned objective third party instead doesn’t necessarily mean one is looking to accuse or cause trouble or even dislikes the person in question. Seeking a third party for guidance in how to proceed with someone is not IMO a sign of ill will. Obviously you and possibly my priest have viewed it this way. And for that I’m sorry and wish I’d kept my mouth shut entirely.**

 

[PrayPsalm51]

Why should he not? He didn’t state it. He didn’t whine. But I’m not as stupid as my original post here might imply. I can tell the look of a wounded man when I see one with my own two eyes. Being a priest doesn’t change that he is a man. He is under no obligation to put on a fake face to me or others, nor is he obligated to hide his emotions. When I see a person in pain, my response is not to be angry they had the audacity to inflict the image upon polite society. My response is to feel shame I caused it and strive to mend it.

You’re not stupid at all. You have been very brave with all the varied responses here. Sometimes things look very clear from one angle and one does what she thinks is right. It’s easy to look back and think of the could’ves. Plus even lively threads like this one teach us all a lot.

 

[Miserissima]

I followed this thread in the beginning, and just got caught up this morning.

Wow.

out of Christian charity, how can the OP “make it up” to the priest?