Section — Prümmer, Manuale Theologiae Moralis

§ 4. With What Rite Absolution Is To Be Given

497.

497. A distinction must be made between the external and internal forums.

In the external forum, either the form specially determined by the competent superior or the form contained in the Roman Ritual is to be observed.116

In the internal forum, the common form which is used in every sacramental absolution is to be employed.117 Therefore certain particular Rituals which contain special formulas of absolution for special censures certainly incurred are no longer to be observed.

Note. Absolution from censures in the external forum can be granted even to one absent.

116 Tit. 3, cc. 3 and 5.

117 Code of Canon Law, c. 2250, § 3.