Question Second: Concerning the Duties in the Act of Confession

The confessor sometimes must exercise his function, - and then he is bound to know the case, - and to bear sentence.

For exercising the function, it is necessary to know from what and when he is obliged to this.

To the knowledge of the case belongs: 1) as judge, of itself, to question the penitent and form for himself a judgment concerning the case; then, accidentally and occasionally, also 2) as teacher, to instruct and admonish; 3) as physician, to furnish remedies; 4) as father, to dispose and prepare.

To the pronouncing of the sentence, as minister exercising the power of the keys and sacramental judgment, he must grant, deny, or defer absolution.

Concerning these things we must speak in three articles.