Part 111, Chapter IX: Further Advice to Confessors

Further Advice to Confessors

TO THE SUGGESTIONS already made in the preceding chapters, we add the following advice because its practical application is of great importance to the confessor.

All confessors should be extremely careful not to contradict or condemn one another. They should be closely united in a spirit of charity, following the same rule of conduct and the same maxims of the Gospel, so that the Holy Ghost may guide, bless and sanctify their harmonious work. Thus their penitents will be impressed and encouraged to follow their injunctions. Let confessors, then, sedulously observe all that has been recommended in this book, as well as what is to follow.

The priest, representing the Son of God as judge of mankind, should always give the appearance of understanding his great responsibility. He should wear his cassock and surplice when hearing confessions, occupying the confessional or some suitable place in the church where he may be seen by all. His very bearing and manner should give edification.

The confessor must radiate the good odor of Christ everywhere, and by word and example further the work of Our Divine Lord in humility, patience and charity.

The penitent must be taught to kneel in all humility in the confessional, with hands joined and eyes cast down or looking at the Crucified Saviour. The confessor should not speak in a loud tone nor permit the penitant to do so, lest their voices reach those waiting Outside.

If there arises a question of reconciliation or restitution, or of some proximate occasion of sin, the confessor should not wait until the end

of the confession to dispose the penitent, but should do so at the moment of questioning, when he finds him guilty of one of these sins.

The confessor must not ask useless questions, but examine the penitent on necessary points. He must insist on important details, such as the number of times each mortal sin has been committed, and the length of time that has elapsed since his last confession.

If discord or enmity exists towards another, the priest should encourage the penitent to complete reconciliation, even offering to assist in this if necessary.

If one is engaged in court actions or litigation, the confessor. must urge him to try to settle the dispute amicably, if it is possible.

If the penitent should accuse himself of having spoken against his neighbor's reputation, the priest should oblige him to repair the damage. If the statements are true but not generally known, he should be told to endeavor to undo the harm caused, by admitting that he was wrong in having spoken so, then to say whatever good things he can about the person he has sinned against. If the statement is false, he should strive to contradict it, in the presence of the persons who heard it, and in every place where it is possible any harm may have been done.

The confessor should advise the penitent to ask pardon of him who has suffered. Each private individual, being the master of his own reputation, may forgive in entirety the evil spoken against him, and consequently, the sinner is not held to any further reparation. I say "private individual" as distinct from a public man, who is not master of his own reputation which is necessary for the public good.

If the detraction be of long standing, and, perhaps, entirely forgotten by all, then it is better left unnoticed, lest in seeking to rectify the wrong done, greater trouble may be stirred up. In this case, i t would be better to counsel the sinner to say everything he can in favor of the person involved and enhance his good standing in the community.

In dealing with a person held ~o restore another's goods, here is the course of action to be followed. The confessor should first find out whether the penitent is bound to make restitution. In cases where the person is about to discharge the obligation, and suggests that he would

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prefer to make restitution anonymously, the priest should assist him if it be deemed expedient.

Married couples living in dissension or actually separated should not be absolved if they cannot give a legitimate reason for their condition.

The confessor should make the penitent cognizant of the duties of his state. Parents, teachers, children and servants should be carefully instructed in their respective obligations.

If there is question of vows that the penitent cannot fulfil, the confessor may commute them for easier things, for example, instead of a pilgrimage or something similar that the penitent has promised to carry out, it would be well to oblige him to make several confessions and communions. 170-