Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Armchair Liturgist Part 6
Seemingly in keeping with CS's theme of the week, Zenit's weekly liturgy question is on the Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Please, I should like to know if it is correct to give general absolution to, say, a group of 15 elderly people living in a nursing home and brought together for Mass in a small room. Please note: (a) It is impossible to hear their confession individually as they are placed very close to each other in their wheelchairs. (b) When asked how many are going to receive Communion (to consecrate the necessary quantity of hosts) they all want to receive. Could I prepare them with a good act of sorrow and then give them general absolution, making it clear to the nurses and relatives that this absolution is not for them. And if general absolution is permitted in this case, what about the obligation of confessing grave sins later on? H.D., Melbourne, Australia
If you want to see Fr McNamara's reply, go here. But feel free to weigh in from the armchair, if you care to do so.
