Posted on 10/28/2017 9:23:02 AM PDT by Salvation
Bless me, Father
Msgr. Charles Pope
Question: In confession recently the priest told me I should not say, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned”; instead I should say, “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.” Is he right?— Name, location withheld
Answer: The opening of confession with the expression “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned” is a widespread custom in the United States and in some other regions. In different parts of the world, there are other expressions used to begin the confession.
The insistence that you should say “Forgive me, Father” is puzzling and requires something of you that is not what the Church insists. There is no directive to use the formula, “Forgive me, Father” rather than “Bless, me Father.”
For the record, the prescribed ritual for beginning the Sacrament of Confession is as follows, as per the Rite of Penance:
“When the penitent comes to confess his sins, the priest welcomes him warmly and greets him with kindness. Then the penitent makes the Sign of the Cross which the priest may make also, [saying] ‘In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.’ The priest invites the penitent to have trust in God, in these or similar words: ‘May God, who has enlightened every heart, help you to know your sins and trust in his mercy.’ The penitent answers: ‘Amen.’”
Thus, we can note that the prescribed form does not include either “Forgive me, Father” or “Bless me, Father.” However, the final line indicates other forms may be used. Further, the Rite of Penance also says:
“When pastoral need dictates, the priest may omit or shorten some parts of the rite but must always retain in their entirety the penitent’s confession of sins and acceptance of the act of penance, the invitation to contrition and the formularies of absolution and dismissal.”
I have travelled widely in the United States, and most penitents begin by saying, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.” While this varies from the more formal introduction set forth in the rite, variations and local customs are allowed, and practically have become the norm.
So the correction by the priest indicates more his preference than what is required of you. You are free to say “Bless me, Father.”
Ping for Monsignor Pope column from OSV.
My Priest is grateful that the flock still comes to Confession, Mass and CONTRIBUTES.
about 3-4 people per week go to confession in my church.
30-40 people at my church.
They say that you can tell a good church by the length of the Confessional lines.
wow, you go to a great church...by me, I barely see anyone in line....usually the polish churches have the most people, as a matter of fact, the churches have confession daily.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.