Definition and Forms of Celebration of Sacrament of Penance in Canon Law

Abstract

In the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation the faithful who confess their sins to a legitimate minister, are sorry for them, and intend to reform themselves obtain forgiveness for the sins they have committed after baptism. Moreover, they are reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by sinning. Individual and integral confession and absolution constitute the only ordinary means of reconciliation with God and the Church. Therefore, only physical or moral impossibility excuses from confession of this type. In such a case reconciliation can be obtained by other means defined by law.

The extraordinary means of reconciliation with God and the Church is general absolution to many penitents at once without previous individual confession. It can be imparted, if danger of death is imminent, there is insufficient time for the priest or priests to hear the confessions of the individual penitents and there is grave necessity. It belongs to the diocesan bishop after agreeing upon with the other members of the conference of bishops to judge whether the conditions required to arise grave necessity are present. For the faithful validly to receive general absolution given to many at one time, it is required that the person is properly disposed and intends to confess within a suitable period of time each grave sin which at the present time cannot be so confessed.