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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Absolution and Sacrament of the Sick Jeffrey Thursday, February 17, 2005

Question:

During a recent emergency hospitalization involving severe bleeding and admission to Intensive Care, I was anointed by the priest who is the hospital chaplain (Catholic hospital). I was not asked if I wanted to confess, presumably because of my condition at that point. I was a little "foggy" during the Sacrament due to my condition, but I recall the priest's words during the anointing including something that sounded like absolution.

This was a wonderful grace. My condition has now stabilized and I am home. My question is to understand the nature of sacramental absolution connected with Sacrament of the Sick (which I believe is its "updated" name.)

Does this mean that any sins I may have had on my soul at the time are forgiven, or were forgiven only if I had died? Do I need to re-confess following recovery? Thank you.



Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Jeffrey:

From your narrative it sounds like you did not confess originally and thus a "re-confession" is a non sequitur.

Since you did not die, you need to return to the Sacrament of Confession as usual with any mortal sins that were pending before your Anointing.

I praise God for your recovery.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary


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