[Dr. Eckleburg]

He might have been misinformed, misunderstood, or he might have referred to some unusual circumstances under Canon Law, when a sacramental confession is impossible and death is imminent.

I think that's the point. Forgiveness through Christ's atonement isn't confusing, oblique, uncertain, ill-defined, or circumstantial. It is black and white. Either Christ died so that you and I and all God's children would stand before God acquitted of our sins, or He didn't.

I believe He did, as Christ has assured us in Scripture.

[annalex]

Forgiveness through Christ's atonement isn't confusing, oblique, uncertain, ill-defined, or circumstantial. It is black and white.

Indeed it is, and a sinner alone in the desert can have it. This is why, when a professed Christian can avail himself of sacramental confession, and doesn't do so, his personal salvation becomes doubtful. More so when a day does not dawn without him congratulating himself on this lapse.