Thursday, March 26, 2009

The CCC on the obligation of the priest to do penance for his penitent

"The Church, who through the bishop and his priests forgives sins in the name of Jesus Christ and determines the manner of satisfaction, also prays for the sinner and does penance with him [(et poenitentiam peragit cum eo)]."

"The confessor is not the master of God's forgiveness, but its servant. The minister of this sacrament should unite himself to the intention and charity of Christ. . . . He must pray and do penance for his penitent [(Orare debet atque poenitentiam agere pro eo)], entrusting him to the Lord's mercy."

Catechism of the Catholic Church ##1448 and 1466, italics mine.

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