The classic example is when a military chaplain gives it to troops about to go into battle. LSN commenting is not for frequent personal blogging, on-going debates or theological or other disputes If a penitent has perfect contrition his sins are forgiven, though he retains an obligation to confess any mortal sins in the usual way. General absolution is allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic.Addressing the global difficulty Catholic priests are having in hearing confessions, the Vatican says it is acceptable for bishops to offer general absolutions to certain groups of people.While the norm is an individual confesses their sins and celebrates the Sacrament of Reconciliation, General Absolution can be used when there is danger of “imminent danger of death, not enough time to listen to confessions of individual penitents, or a grave need”.The COVID-19 pandemic meets this circumstance, the Vatican says.The Apostolic Penitentiary holds the situation for a general absolution exists while there are cases of grave need and for as long as COVID-19 exists.The Vatican office acknowledges is a fine balance between compassion and the health of all parties but added that while diocesan bishops are the judge of when to grant a General Absolution, bishops should always take “account of the supreme good of the salvation of souls.”Indicating that keeping a social distance may be too social, leading to a confession being overheard, the Vatican says that at all times the sacramental seal of the confession must be kept.The Tribunal says risk minimisation can be through the proper implementation of social distancing between the confessor and penitent, the use of masks and such measures as the increased regular sanitisation of confessional spaces.Whenever a priest is faced with “the unforeseen situation of having to impart sacramental absolution to several faithful”—in other words, to give general absolution, he should first inform the bishop, if possible, or otherwise tell him afterwards, the Vatican said.Whenever a priest is faced with “the unforeseen situation of having to impart sacramental absolution to several faithful”— in other words, to give general absolution, he should first inform the bishop, if possible, or otherwise tell him afterwards, the Vatican said.Francis, at his Saturday Mass at the Vatican also says people who cannot get to confession because of the virus lockdown or another serious reason can go to God directly.They need to be specific about their sins, request pardon and experience God’s loving forgiveness.“This is the right time, the opportune moment.
19 March 2020, The Tablet ... Church rules permit general absolution during a time of crisis and where a sufficient number of confessors are unavailable for …

What, then, is the purpose of general absolution, which involves the granting of absolution to a group without the priest having heard each person’s individual confession of sins? That is the living proof of the Real Presence.



When I was a campus chaplain at Marymount, on more than one occasion a student came to confession who had never experienced private confession, but only received general absolution.

Dr Joseph Shaw has a Doctorate in Philosophy from Oxford University, where he also gained a first degree in Politics and Philosophy and a graduate Diploma in Theology. Vatican City, Mar 20, 2020 / 11:05 am (CNA).- Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, has said that the coronavirus pandemic may justify the use of general absolution… LifeSiteNews welcomes thoughtful, respectful comments that add useful information or insights. Demeaning, Comments under LifeSiteNews stories do not necessarily represent the views of LifeSiteNews. Fri Mar 20, 2020 - 3:22 pm EST. Kathleen N. Hattrup | Mar 20, 2020 ... even in “the time of COVID-19,” and goes on to explain when this law allows for a practice known commonly as “general absolution… | The survivors will still need to get to confession; those who are killed will have had a valid absolution.General Absolution is not a solution to the danger of infection, but it may still have its uses, particularly in Catholic countries with a shortage of priests. – After this, the Priest calls upon the whole community to take part in the Penitential Act, which, after a brief pause for silence, it does by means of a formula of general confession. Canon 961.1 explains that there are two situations when it may properly be used.