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Post by Barbara on Sept 17, 2017 15:01:55 GMT -5
On the thread about the Fatima Center, Marya Dabrowski brought up the subject of a priest denying absolution to her brother, to which I had something to add. The same thing happened to me (different priest) about 8 or so years ago. The priest explained, with the greatest kindness and charity, that he discerned that I did not have sufficiently firm purpose of amendment, and that he needed to withhold absolution. I was so surprised, but had great trust in this priest and was eager to do as he advised. He told me specifically what I needed to do to demonstrate my desire to amend, and when I had done as he instructed, I could return and he would confer absolution. In Our Lord's inscrutable ways, later that very same day, I learned that a formidable obstacle in the situation had been removed, which made the priest's instructions immeasurably easier. I did what needed to be done, and received the absolution. Like Marya said about her brother, I always will have a special place in my heart for this priest, for I knew how much he loved me as his penitent and cared about my salvation. Eventually he was transferred, and I had the opportunity to thank him in the confessional before he left for what he had done, and gave my permission to share my remarks with his brother priests if he so chose. I sometimes think that some priests are careless in conferring absolution, and that many penitents think that just by showing up for confession, they deserve to be absolved.
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Post by micah1199 on Sept 17, 2017 15:43:52 GMT -5
I would say for a person to go to confession nowadays is a great grace as most don't bother or even think about it.
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Post by Voxxkowalski on Sept 17, 2017 16:45:50 GMT -5
I tell you I think I get off the hook way too easy sometimes...and It makes me uneasy
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Post by micah1199 on Sept 17, 2017 17:12:57 GMT -5
These threads can be dangerous as those who suffer from scruples could be harmed by them and given more fuel to doubt their confessor's judgment.
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Post by heinrich on Sept 17, 2017 18:47:52 GMT -5
I was denied once.
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Post by Marya Dabrowski on Sept 17, 2017 20:51:53 GMT -5
I re-evaluated my "firm purpose of amendment" or habitual lack thereof after a priest asked me once, "And are you truly sorry?"
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