Administration of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconcilliation in Danger of Death

Abstract

This publication presents the administration of the Sacrament of Penance as received in the danger of death. Under these extraordinary circumstances, Penance is the only way to reconcile oneself with God and other people. The article demonstrates the powers of confessors and penitents in the danger of death. This sacrament gives priests practically unlimited possibilities of reconcile people with God and Church. The faithful who are endangered by death are freed from their sins and censures. A confessor can award the endangered person with a plenary indulgence for the hour of death, provided he or she has been absolved of sins and censures. The person who is on their deathbed, absolved of sins and censures, can be administered a plenary indulgence by the confessor. It is important to remit an earthly punishment after the eternal punishment has been remitted. A Christian whose life is endangered has an opportunity to reconcile himself or herself with God and Church just like upon being baptised.