Topic:  Is my forgiveness dependent on an exact phrase being said?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: December 31, 2003

Moderator who originally posted this source: Fr. John

Question:  In going to confession, if the priest does not say the words of absolution correctly (maybe intentionally or not) was my sin forgiven or not thanks!

Answer: 

Dear Fulbert,

Happy new year!

Good question. Yes. Your sins would be forgiven. It’s the confessor’s intention, the Church’s intention, and God’s intention to forgive your sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If the priest confessor speaks the formula of absolution incorrectly (which I’ve done myself many times, I’m sure), doesn’t get it exactly correct, your sins are still forgiven

I myself have many times gone to confession to a priest who seemed to make up his own words of absolution, never saying the exact same words every time! As long as he says “I forgive” or “I absolve” you somewhere in his absolution in the name of the Church and God, I leave lighter not having the weight of those particular sins anymore. I don’t think God is concerned with exact wording, just our intentions to forgive and be forgiven.

All the best to you in our new year!

Father John