The Sacrament of Penance

The Sacrament of Penance.—For those who lose grace after Baptism the Sacrament of Penance is necessary as a part of repentance and a means of forgiveness. This Sacrament may be defined as “a Sacrament of the New Law instituted by Christ in the form of a judicial process, in which, through the absolution of the priest, sins committed after Baptism are forgiven to penitents who confess them with sorrow.”

(a) The remote matter of this Sacrament is the personal sins committed after Baptism, for Baptism washes away all sins committed before its reception. Of this remote matter, some is necessary (i.e., sins that must be confessed), namely, post-baptismal mortal sins not yet declared or directly absolved in confession; some is free (i.e., sins that may, but need not be confessed), namely, post-baptismal mortal sins already forgiven in confession, and post-baptismal venial sins, whether already remitted or not (Canon 902). Imperfections which are not sins, or whose sinfulness is doubtful, are not sufficient matter for absolution; and if they alone are confessed, absolution may not be given, unless there is necessity, and then it may be granted conditionally (see 185, 186).

(b) The proximate matter of this Sacrament, according to the view commonly held, is the three acts of the penitent—contrition in the heart, confession in words, and satisfaction in work. Contrition must exist actually, but the other two acts in case of necessity need not exist actually, but are included implicitly in the act of contrition.

(c) The form of the Sacrament is contained in the words of absolution spoken by the priest. Certainly the words, “Ego te absolvo a peccatis tuis,” are sufficient for validity. But lawfulness requires that one use the entire form and the other accompanying prayers as given in one’s approved Ritual. In case of necessity, as in shipwreck or sudden danger of death, an abbreviated form is permitted. Absolution must be spoken or vocal, for the Church has never recognized absolution by signs or in writing. It must be given to one who is present, that is, one who is in the same place and not too far away to hear and be heard. Those who are in different rooms that do not open on each other are not in the same place; those who are more than twenty feet apart are too far away for presence, according to the common opinion; but in great need a more liberal view may be followed, and even absolution by speaking tube or telephone may be resorted to.

(d) The subject of the Sacrament of Penance is every baptized person who has committed venial or mortal sin after Baptism. If there is doubt about the Baptism or about the sin, absolution may be given conditionally. Besides the conditions given for the Sacraments in general, the recipient of Penance must exercise the three acts of contrition, confession and satisfaction. The first is essential in every case, and the second when possible; and without the third the Sacrament is not integral or complete.

Probabilism in Administration of the Sacrament.—In the administration and reception of the Sacrament of Penance it is lawful to follow opinions that are truly probable except in the following cases: (a) when the validity of the Sacrament is at stake (678), unless there is a case of emergency (679). Hence, as the law of material integrity pertains to the lawful, not to the valid use of Penance, one may use probable opinions in its regard (see 2740); (b) when the seal of the Sacrament is involved, lest confession become odious.