Online Edition – Vol. IX, No. 3: May 2003

Congregation for Divine Worship affirms Confession during Triduum

The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments affirmed the "laudable" practice of administering the Sacrament of Penance on Good Friday and Holy Saturday in an official response to a priest who inquired. A copy of the letter, sent to Adoremus by the recipient, is printed below.

Prot. N. 690/03/L

Rome, April 9, 2003

Reverend and Dear Father,

This Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has received your letter, sent by fax on April 3, 2003 and continuing the question of whether it is permitted to schedule confessions during the Paschal Triduum.

Notwithstanding the Church’s ancient practice of refraining from the celebration of Mass at the stipulated times during Holy Week, as well as a prudent reserve regarding the scheduling of Baptisms and Marriages during the same times, the scheduling of Confessions on Good Friday and Holy Saturday is laudable and not at all in conflict either with the letter or the spirit of the liturgical norms. Perhaps one of the more eloquent arguments in support of this position is the practice of the Holy Father himself, who has personally heard confessions as a regular practice on Good Friday.

While it is not the normal practice of this Congregation to reply to individuals by fax even when a communication has been received in this manner, an exception is being made in the present case in view of the fact that your request may have been made in view of the upcoming celebrations.

With every prayerful good wish, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

[signed]

Mons. Mario Marini
Undersecretary

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