Confession is still as necessary as ever

By Msgr. Pedro Lopez-Gallo

It is very easy to go to confession these days, because most pastors, in addition to the periods usually scheduled each Saturday, will make an appointment for those who request it. At the beginning of Christianity, however, publicly known sinners were under a ban of excommunication, meaning they were excluded from the faithful community.

Once or twice a year, especially at Easter vigil, sinners publicly confessed their sins and were given severe penalties such as long fasts, almsgiving, making distant pilgrimages, and corporal punishments which were virtually tortures!

St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians condemning sinners and suggesting horrendous recriminations: "It is reported to me that there is immorality among you, a man living with his father's wife. The one who did this deed should be expelled from your midst" (1 Cor. 5:1-3).

The apostle continued, telling them "not to associate with anyone named brother [i.e. Christian] if he is immoral, greedy, idolater, slander, drunkard or robber; not even to eat with such a person" (1 Cor. 5:11).

Excommunication in those days meant expulsion from the community. In some regions, it was common for callous sinners (those guilty of apostasy, adultery, or murder) to be dressed in sackcloth and their heads covered with ashes, to make it clear that they were separated from the faithful.

To be readmitted into the community, it was necessary for them to confess publicly and receive general absolution. This custom was rigidly observed for four centuries, until Pope St. Leo the Great in 459 condemned the public reading of the sins of penitents from charts.

Thanks to a radical evolution, forgiveness of sins is obtained by auricular (mouth-to-ear) confession, with less severe penances and an absolute obligation of the priest to keep secret whatever is said in confession.

This sacramental seal of confession is mandatory, and the most severe penalties are imposed on whoever violates it. Indeed, a priest is automatically excommunicated if he violates this rule, and his sin cannot be pardoned by another priest or bishop. Absolution from this felony is reserved to the Holy Father.

If a priest leaves the priesthood, can he repeat the sins heard in confession? The answer is "No." A priest, even if he leaves the ministry, is always a priest and a Catholic; he is bound by the seal of confession for life. The wondrous thing is that God has always protected the seal of confession; even defrocked priests consider it their sacred obligation.

This is a very common concern of little ones preparing for their first confession; they need to be convinced that the priest will never repeat their sins.

The Council of Trent (1545-1563) stated that all Christians should confess their mortal sins, both by number and species, to a priest who has the faculties to grant absolution. This gave a response to reformers who had taught that a priest was unnecessary for confessions, that one could directly confess to God.

Vatican II emphasized the healing nature of the sacrament of reconciliation. It also required, as was always taught in the Catholic Church, that at least once a year Catholics must confess mortal sins. Venial sins should also be confessed, since they offend God, although not as gravely.

In spite of the availability of confession and all the guarantees of the sacramental seal, more and more people avoid the confessional, opting for what they believe is an easy solution: general absolution.

However general absolution is reserved for special emergencies only, especially an approaching danger of death to the community. Typical examples are earthquakes or shipwrecks; the priest can gather the people and give general absolution after exhorting them to make an act of perfect contrition. All who survive the calamity are obliged to mention their mortal sins in private confession at the first opportunity.

I mention again here perfect contrition. In a previous article I quoted: "A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body of the Lord without prior sacramental confession unless a grave reason is present and there is no opportunity of confession; in this case the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible."

What is perfect contrition? It is having real sorrow for offending God, primarily because He is so good, and it is accompanied by a firm promise never to sin again. Perfect contrition brings forgiveness of sins, renews sanctifying grace, and re-establishes friendship with God our divine Father. Nevertheless, if our sins are serious, we are strictly bound to confess them afterwards.

In other times and places, Catholics used to recite the Act of Contrition frequently during the day and especially before going to sleep. Although that custom is seldom practised here in Canada today, I strongly encourage you to do it often. Your soul will be revitalized, bringing you closer to God.

Together, let us say: "My God, I am very sorry for having displeased You. I detest all my sins with my whole heart. I have sinned against You Whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.

"My Saviour, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for me. My God, have mercy on me."

Msgr. Lopez-Gallo's columns are available in two volumes for $20 each from St. Andrew's Church Supply, 305 W. 8 Ave. in Vancouver, toll-free 1-800-663-7161. Proceeds will go to Hogar de Nazareth Orphanage in Mexico, which he sponsors.