As an ignorant Catholic, I’m glad he went to confession and received the Eucharist, and if there was ever a time when the rules need not apply, but rather the spirit, this one is an example, or maybe that further details my ignorance.....how could he receive confession and the Eucharist without having first received enough instruction....or was such instruction was waived as already understood in the valid decision of the priest that he experienced it in LIFE, that these were indeed his First Confession and his First Communion, by fire, indeed....hey, maybe I’m not so ignorant after all...I have a brain! Thank You God for helping me use it!
“Divorce is best for the child” - score another for terrible advice!
Don't worry, I was wondering the same thing. It's not clear from his story, but it's possible he may have either also had First Communion (and maybe even Confirmation) when he was younger.
It does seem clear that if anyone could receive absolution after Confession (without instruction) it would be him though, as you pointed out. I'm sure the priest was sure of this either way. Confession, as a sacrament, only requires simple instruction for preparation anyway, what's far more important is an actual contrite heart, which he seemed to have in abundance.