Chapter — Marc, Institutiones Morales
Chapter II: On The Qualities Of The Minister Of Penance
¶1785.
- "Now besides the power of Order and jurisdiction, which are altogether necessary, first of all there is need," says the Roman Catechism, "that the minister of this Sacrament be endowed both with knowledge and learning and with prudence; for he bears at once the person of JUDGE and PHYSICIAN."11 He also bears the person of FATHER, and indeed of a most excellent father, namely of Christ the Lord conferring upon the penitent the life of grace. Nor this alone, but he bears besides the person of TEACHER, because it is his part to admonish the penitent, and to teach him, as much as there is need, things useful or necessary to know. And because so many and so grave offices cannot be fulfilled unless they are continually supported by goodness or integrity of life: hence, so that all the qualities which every minister of Penance ought to furnish may be recalled, it occurs to treat: 1. of the knowledge of the confessor; 2. of his prudence; and 3. of his goodness or integrity of life.
(11) De Poenit., n. 56.