Was My Confession Valid?

[Holly3278]

I went to confession on Saturday with a local priest and he did not say the entire prayer of absolution. Instead, he said “By the authority of the Church, I absolve you of your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” or something similar to that. Was my confession valid? I’m really worried now.

 

[LilyM]

I went to confession on Saturday with a local priest and he did not say the entire prayer of absolution. Instead, he said “By the authority of the Church, I absolve you of your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” or something similar to that. Was my confession valid? I’m really worried now.

Absolutely - the priest only needs to say the words ‘I absolve you of your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’.

 

[Holly3278]

Absolutely - the priest only needs to say the words ‘I absolve you of your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’.

Oh ok thanks! I had a feeling it was probably valid. I don’t know why I was worried really.

 

[LilyM]

Oh ok thanks! I had a feeling it was probably valid. I don’t know why I was worried really.

It’s easy enough to get apprehensive when things aren’t done in a way you’re used to. No sweat.

 

[Holly3278]

It’s easy enough to get apprehensive when things aren’t done in a way you’re used to. No sweat.

Well, I remember this next time I go to confession and the entire absolution prayer is not said.

 

[ABostonCatholic]

Also, sometimes priests will quietly say the first part of the prayer during the act of contrition, especially if there is a long line.

 

[surgei]

Your confession is valid I am sure. Take courage and do not let these things bother you anymore.
Question? If a priest does not say “I absolve you” but instead says “may God forgive you” or some other prayer is it still valid?
Just so you know this is a bait question.
Think long and hard before you answer.

 

[briang72]

surgei:

If a priest does not say “I absolve you” but instead says “may God forgive you” or some other prayer is it still valid?

Well, since a priest has the power to forgive sins, as given to him by Christ at his ordination, he ***should ***say, as an instrument of Christ, “I absolve you…”. I am unsure of the validity otherwise, and I could understand anyone’s uneasiness if the priest does not use these exact words of absolution. The priest should have no right to choose his own words in this sacrament when penitents are taught to expect to hear a certain formula.

I pray that noone ever hears “may God forgive you…” from a priest. Is this any different than the priest saying “I hope for your sake God forgives you?” The priest would seem to be denying his own power to act as Christ’s instrument in the sacrament and grant absolution.

 

[surgei]

I pray that noone ever hears “may God forgive you…” from a priest. Is this any different than the priest saying “I hope for your sake God forgives you?” The priest would seem to be denying his own power to act as Christ’s instrument in the sacrament and grant absolution.

I hear it on the regular. Does that mean the absolution is not valid?

 

[briang72]

I hear it on the regular. Does that mean the absolution is not valid?

I don’t know. Sounds like a good question for Father Vincent.

In the small amount of research I just did, it seems as though Orthodox priests do not say “I absolve you…”…rather, he says

May God who, through Nathan the prophet forgave David when he confessed his sins, and Peter, when he wept bitterly for his denial; and the harlot who shed tears upon his feet; and the Publican; and the prodigal; may the same God forgive you

 

[surgei]

I don’t know. Sounds like a good question for Father Vincent.

In the small amount of research I just did, it seems as though Orthodox priests do not say “I absolve you…”…rather, he says

Very, very good.:clapping: :extrahappy: :dancing: