CAN A CATHOLIC RECEIVE THE THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE (CONFESSION) THROUGH A PHONE CALL? IF NO WHY?



These days, the number of persons requesting the sacrament of confessions online is increasing. Perhaps this is due to the increase in the use of social media and other related networking Internet powered platforms, especially in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. 


It is great that many more persons, especially young people, are becoming much more interested in seeking reconciliation with God, however, this sacred and spiritual encounter ought to be personal, between the Priest and the Penitent. 


The moment an electronic medium comes between the penitent and the priest, who acts in the name and person of Jesus Christ, the sacrament is invalidated. 


The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that in the sacrament of reconciliation, Jesus personally addresses every sinner saying: “My son, your sins are forgiven.” He is the physician tending each one of the sick who need him to cure them. He raises them up and reintegrates them into fraternal communion. Personal confession is thus the FORM most expressive of reconciliation with God and with the Church. (CCC 1484). 

Pope Francis goes to confession during a penitential service at St. Peter's Basilica on March 28, 2014. (Vatican Media via CNA)


Again confessional secrecy is essential, and a priest may never reveal confessional secrets even when threatened with death. The teaching of the Catholic Church on this is clear: The “Church declares that every priest who hears confessions is bound under very severe penalties to keep absolute secrecy regarding the sins that his penitents have confessed to him” (CCC 1467). 


No matter the kind of encryptions social media service providers promise, electronic media is never completely private. Whatever goes through them is recorded in a server somewhere. 


Further commenting on this issue, The Pontifical Council on Social Communications on The Church and Internet says:


Virtual reality is no substitute for the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the sacramental reality of the other sacraments, and shared worship in a flesh-and-blood human community. There are no sacraments on the Internet; and even the religious experiences possible there by the grace of God are insufficient apart from real-world interaction with other persons of faith. (9)


So please avoid online platforms that promise confession and absolution, especially if you're Catholic. The official stance of the Catholic Church on this matter has not changed. 


© Rev. Fr. Oselumhense Anetor, 2023

Comments

Post a Comment

nubbystylesintl@gmail.com

Popular posts from this blog

WHAT IS THE HISTORY BEHIND THE POPES RED SHOES AND WHY DID POPE FRANCIS CHOOSE NOT TO WEAR THEM

Image
It's important to note that most popes wore three types of shoes: red silk shoes for when they're inside the Vatican, episcopal sandals which they used in celebrating Mass (until 1969) according to the liturgical colours, and red leather shoes for outdoors. This write-up concerns the Pope's outdoor shoes.  The tradition of popes wearing red shoes can be traced back to ancient times. In the early centuries of the Church, bishops and other clergy members wore red shoes as a symbol of their rank and authority. Red was considered a colour of distinction and power. Over time, the red shoes became part of the papal regalia, distinguishing the pope from other clergy members. The shoes came to symbolise the pope's supreme authority and his role as the Vicar of Christ on Earth. They were also seen as a sign of the pope's connection to the blood of martyrs and Christ's sacrifice. The tradition of red papal shoes continued for centuries, with popes wearing elaborately desi...
Read more

WHY DID CATHOLIC PRIESTS BECOME CELIBATE? WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF CELIBACY IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?

Image
The rule of celibacy in the Roman Catholic Church has evolved over centuries and cannot be attributed to any single historical event or reason. Instead, it has been influenced by a combination of factors, including theological, cultural, and practical considerations. Here are some of the key historical reasons that contributed to the establishment and development of clerical celibacy in the Roman Catholic Church: 1. Early Christian Tradition: In the early centuries of Christianity, there was a diversity of practices regarding celibacy among clergy. Some early Christian communities encouraged celibacy as a way to devote oneself entirely to God, while others allowed married men to become priests. Over time, however, the idea of celibacy gained traction, influenced by the example of Jesus and the apostle Paul, who were both celibate (cf. Matt. 19:12; 1 Cor. 7: 25-34). 2. Asceticism and Monasticism: The rise of asceticism and monasticism in the early centuries of the Church further promote...
Read more

HAVE CHRISTIANS FAILED CHRIST OR IS THERE HOPE OF REDEMPTION?...........Watch Video.

Somehow it seems like Christians are not so interested in knowing Christ who is the redemption of the human race. The video above shows a collection of christians who either do not know who JESUS is, or can not quote even one verse of the Bible let alone knowing the mother of Jesus Christ or the grand parents. ..... That is quite disheartening to note in a world where riches and miracle is now the topmost desires of every living creature. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the comment section . Dear parents take the words of Proverbs seriously and TRAIN UP YOUR CHILDREN IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO THAT WHEN THEY GROW UP THEY WILL NEVER DEPART FROM IT ...
Read more

MY CATHOLIC FAITH: WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT A BISHOP'S CONFERENCE IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?

Image
  INTRODUCTION The Church is called to live the life of Christ through the public ministries in which she provides evangelization and outreach, in the community we live, work and have leisure with. The Church also seeks to support and sustain members of the Christian Community in their faith, as well as introduce all to the person and message of Jesus Christ. This duty is expressed in different ways one of which is the presence of Episcopal Conferences in different territories, what then is an Episcopal Conference or Bishop's Conference? WHAT IS A BISHOP'S CONFERENCE OR AN EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE? An Episcopal Conference, sometimes called a Conference of Bishops, is an official assembly of the Bishops of the Catholic Church in a given territory who are empowered to make decisions regarding policy for the whole region, and who also  develop projects, initiatives, or apostolates together, if they judge that to be in interests of the Church in the given territory or region. Conferen...
Read more