1483. In case of grave necessity recourse may be had to a communal celebration of reconciliation with general confession and general absolution. Grave necessity of this sort can arise when there is imminent danger of death without sufficient time for the priest or priests to hear each penitent’s confession. Grave necessity can also exist when, given the number of penitents, there are not enough confessors to hear individual confessions properly in a reasonable time, so that the penitents through no fault of their own would be deprived of sacramental grace or Holy Communion for a long time. In this case, for the absolution to be valid the faithful must have the intention of individually confessing their sins in the time required.91 The diocesan bishop is the judge of whether or not the conditions required for general absolution exist.92 A large gathering of the faithful on the occasion of major feasts or pilgrimages does not constitute a case of grave necessity.93
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
461. How are parents to educate their children in the Christian faith?
389. What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
468. What is the purpose of punishment?
594. Why do we say “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”?
550. What are the essential forms of Christian prayer?
423. What is the grace that justifies?
508. What is forbidden by the seventh commandment?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What is the message behind the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican?
What was David’s attitude toward Mephibosheth, and what can we learn from this story?
What is David’s example of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11:32-40?
How was the defeat of the Maccabees at the Battle of Elasa described in 1 Maccabees 6:17-47?
What is the importance of persevering in the faith, according to 2 John 1:8?
What is the story of the healing of the bleeding woman in Mark 5:25-34?
