Morals of the Church
Library › Wouters, Manual of Moral Theology › Volume II › Book III. On the Aids of the Christian Life, or on the Sacraments › Treatise V. On Penance › Dissertation II. On the Sacrament of Penance › Part I. On the Sacrament of Penance Considered in Itself › Section II. On the Essence of the Sacrament of Penance › Chapter II. On Proximate Matter › Article II. On Confession › § III. On the Quality of Integrity Specifically › Point IV. On the Means of Procuring Integrity, or on the Examination of Conscience

Section — Wouters, Manual of Moral Theology

Scholion III. On Venial Sins to Be Confessed and on Doubtful Matter Alone Confessed

338.

I. Since venial sins indeed can be declared (n. 294), but do not necessarily have to be declared, there is no obligation of declaring them according to species and number. Nevertheless, that they be manifested at least according to species is greatly to be advised because of the reasons alleged in n. 310. Indeed, it can happen that the confessor must ask about species and number, namely so that he may judge concerning the disposition of the penitent, or so that he may know whether, because of coalescing matter, a grave sin has been committed or a grave obligation of restoring has arisen. But the penitent, rightly questioned, is bound to respond.

Doubtful sins

339.

II. A penitent who confesses only doubtful matter or doubtful mortal sins, after certain and more or less determined matter has been sought, is absolved absolutely. If matter more or less determined cannot be obtained, let the penitent, after a generic confession of all sins has been sought, be given absolution (n. 310).

Doubtful sins