Saturday, September 8, 2012
311. Can this sacrament be celebrated in some cases with a general confession and general absolution? (part 2 continuation)
(Comp
311 repetition) In cases of serious necessity (as in imminent danger of
death) recourse may be had to a communal celebration of Reconciliation with
general confession and general absolution, as long as the norms of the Church
are observed and there is the intention of individually confessing one’s grave
sins in due time.
“In brief”
(CCC 1497) Individual and integral confession of grave sins
followed by absolution remains the only ordinary means of reconciliation with
God and with the Church.
To deepen and explain
(CCC 1483) In case of grave necessity recourse may be had to
a communal celebration of reconciliation
with general confession and general absolution. Grave necessity of this
sort can arise when there is imminent danger of death without sufficient time
for the priest or priests to hear each penitent's confession. Grave necessity
can also exist when, given the number of penitents, there are not enough
confessors to hear individual confessions properly in a reasonable time, so
that the penitents through no fault of their own would be deprived of
sacramental grace or Holy Communion for a long time. In this case, for the
absolution to be valid the faithful must have the intention of individually
confessing their sins in the time required (Cf. CIC, can. 962 §1). The diocesan
bishop is the judge of whether or not the conditions required for general
absolution exist (Cf. CIC, can. 961 § 2). A large gathering of the faithful on
the occasion of major feasts or pilgrimages does not constitute a case of grave
necessity (Cf. CIC, can. 961 § 1).
On reflection
(CCC 1484) "Individual, integral confession and
absolution remain the only ordinary way for the faithful to reconcile
themselves with God and the Church, unless physical or moral impossibility
excuses from this kind of confession" (OP 31). There are profound reasons
for this. Christ is at work in each of the sacraments. He personally addresses
every sinner: "My son, your sins are forgiven" (Mk 2:5). He is the
physician tending each one of the sick who need him to cure them (Cf. Mk 2:17).
He raises them up and reintegrates them into fraternal communion. Personal
confession is thus the form most expressive of reconciliation with God and with
the Church. [END]
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