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Question Title Posted By Question Date
a confession question. Kevin Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Question:

if youve got a sin that so distresses you, and you dont think that you would ever be able to verbaly confess it. Is it permissable to write it down and give it to the Priest to read and recive absolution?

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Kevin:

Sorry about the delay in answering. I had a computer crash and am only now back online.

Never be afraid to tell your priest your sins. Do not ever let the pride of embarrassment get in the way.

There is a story told of a old nun in the convent of St. Teresa of Avila who died. She was considered very saintly. One day God permitted this old nun to appear to St. Teresa. The nun was in pain and suffering. At first St. Teresa thought the nun was in purgatory, but the nun cried out to St. Teresa to tell the sisters to never be embarrassed to confess their sins in confession. She had been too embarrassed about one sin and never confessed it. Thus, the nun died with mortal sin on her soul and she was in hell.

NEVER risk hell because of fear or embarrassment to confess all sins.

With that said, as for writing down the sin instead of verbally saying it, I do not think that is permissible, but you can certainly ask your confessor about it.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary


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