During this time of the coronavirus pandemic, the Church wants to assure the faithful that God’s mercy is always present and always available to them.
The Major Penitentiary at the Vatican, Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, issued a statement urging priests to continue to hear confessions during this time of pandemic. He recommends that confession take place “in a ventilated place outside the confessional, [adopting] a suitable distance, [using] protective masks, without prejudice to absolute attention to the safeguarding of the sacramental seal and the necessary discretion.”
He notes that viewing the extreme circumstances that already occur in the world, situations may arise where general absolution to a large group of penitents may be suitable. Yesterday I saw on the Italian news a bishop grant general absolution outside a hospital since he was not permitted to enter the hospital and visit patients. Cardinal Mauro Piacenza notes that “should there arise a sudden need to impart sacramental absolution to several faithful together, the priest is obliged to warn the diocesan bishop as far as possible or, if he cannot, to inform him as soon as possible.”
The document reminds the faithful that whenever they find themselves in a situation where receiving sacramental absolution is impossible, “it should be remembered that perfect contrition, coming from the love of God, expressed by a sincere request for forgiveness and accompanied the firm resolution to have recourse, as soon as possible, to sacramental confession, obtains forgiveness of sins, even mortal ones.”
In response to this decree from the Apostolic Penitentiary, Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv. of Savannah has indicated to his priests that they may impart general absolution only in cases of grave necessity. He wrote to them, “Presently, there is not a situation in the Diocese of Savannah which rises to grave necessity. Should an instance arise suddenly or if you perceive circumstances trending that way, please contact me immediately. If you cannot reach me, use your good pastoral judgement and inform me as soon as possible.”
The fact is that many faithful will be unable to receive the sacrament of penance during this time. It is great to see however the creativity of many priests to make the sacrament available to the faithful. These weeks of separation from the sacraments will make us appreciate them, and yearn for them with even greater love and passion.
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