Duties of the Confessor Before Confession

Duties of the Confessor before Confession.—(a) Fitness to Hear Confessions.—The confessor should have sufficient knowledge to be able readily to solve the usual cases and to work out or find the solution of the more difficult cases; sufficient prudence to be able to apply his knowledge well and to avoid what is dangerous or suspicious; sufficient goodness to be sincerely desirous of the spiritual advantage of the penitent, and to be patient in hearing him and firm in correcting him.

(b) Willingness to H ear Confessions.-The confessor is obliged either from justice or charity (2676) to hear the confessions of those who reasonably request it. He should observe the rules of the Ritual and of the Code as to the manner and place of confession (Canons 908-910).