Sometimes the penitent says something that tips the priest off - example “I had an abortion, but I was really busy with my career and a child would’ve got in the way … that’s not real bad, is it?”In many cases, it doesn’t take the ability to read hearts, just to ask a question. A question like, “Do you intend to continue using artificial birth control?” or “Will you and your lover be living separately from now on?” or “Have you reprogrammed that computer that automatically transfers money not due you from your employer’s account to your own?”
Artificial birth control can easily be habitual. As well, living with your “lover” is not something many are quick to change.That a good point.
Artificial birth control can easily be habitual. As well, living with your “lover” is not something many are quick to change.Those are different sins than say someone whose sin is habitual.
That’s not a habit. That’s a decision to not quit a certain sin. Things that are habitual are things which you want to change, actively try to change, but struggle with it because you’ve done it so many times that it becomes habitual. Ie: swearing, Procrastinating, etc.Artificial birth control can easily be habitual. As well, living with your “lover” is not something many are quick to change.
We have a retired priest, and a monsignor who do confession frequently at our parish. Both of these wonderful priests talk to me for a little while in confession about then nature of sin, near occasions of sin, and sometimes even to explain something as being no sin at all. When they assign penance, they explain the penance, and how it relates to my confession, and where and when I should do it. The monsignor in fact has become my confessor. I’ve been to confessionals that were very assembly line oriented, just state the facts, accept your absolution and penance, and move on. I don’t doubt the efficacy of the my use of the sacrament in these situations. I believe I am just as spiritually clean either way. But I must tell you, just personally I MUCH prefer these two priests who take the time to explain things to me, and help me to understand the whole sacrament. Yes, they are counselors besides confessors, but when you leave the booth, you not only feel clean, but you have cause for reflection and meditation at a deeper level than you do otherwise. I don’t know if this is right or wrong. It’s probably just one of those things that’s a bonus when you encounter it, but not a problem if you don’t. I love it. I wish it was always this way. It brings more personal meaning to the sacrament. My 2 cents.Sometimes a priest will speak to an issue after you confess your sins. He will advise you in how to avoid a certain sin. Some priests don’t seem to have any desire to do this. They absolve you and you can tell thats the closure, nothing more to say. Is it a priests prerogative to either counsel or say nothing further after absolution? Are they instructed in a certain protocol ?
In a related issue I read St. Padre Pio refused to give absolution to certain penitents who would not refrain from a particular sin. Obviously it’s not common (I don’t think) but can it still happen?
In the instances of St. Padre Pio not giving absolution the sin was abortion, and had to do with her not having a contrite heart, not a habit. What are you saying? The question was what sins could a priest not give absolution to if he was so inclined. One could live with a “lover” and desire not to as well as someone who curses and desires not to. You could be actively trying to change your cohabitation.That’s not a habit. That’s a decision to not quit a certain sin. Things that are habitual are things which you want to change, actively try to change, but struggle with it because you’ve done it so many times that it becomes habitual. Ie: swearing, Procrastinating, etc.