Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 75 No. 1, 2005.
Original scientific paper
Juridical Protection of the Sacrament of Penance
Jure Brkan
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
Abstract
The author in his article, using a juridical method, analyses the juridical protection of the sacrament of penance, the penitent and the confessor (priest or bishop), and explains the ecclesiastical penalties already in effect (latae sententiae) in the case of a violation of a law or precept relating to a confessor or penitent in the context of the sacrament of penance, or they should be by a judicial or administrative procedure declared (ferendae sententiae), and always with the intention of protecting the sacrament of penance. When it is a question of protecting the canonical order, the Church has the natural right, independent of other authorities to declare or impose specific penalties against the faithful (clerics or laity). The Church recognises human rights so that those wishing to do so, may seek recourse from the Church authorities in protecting their dignity. Having examined that Church law can proclaim or sentence penal sanctions, the author gives particular attention to the following: penal sanctions for those persons who attempt to absolute a partner in a sin against the sixth commandment of the Decalogue (Cann. 1378, § 1); the manner of remission of excommunication latae sententiae reserved to the Apostolic See or of unreserved penalties which are remitted: the ordinary, canon penitentiary, confessor or any other priest; A punishable offence against a priest who solicits a penitent to commit a sin against the sixth commandment of the Decalogue (Cann. 1387); ecclesiastical penalty for the person who directly violates the sacramental seal (Cann. 1388, § 1); penal sanctions against the person who should violate the confessional secret (Cann. 1388, § 2); penal sanctions against the person who attempts to give absolution, but does not have the authority to do so (Cann. 1378, § 2-3); and at the end of the article, the author forwards his conclusion where he emphasises that a person is required to have faith in the Church and always obey her, especially regading the protection of the sacrament of confession (penance), the penitent and the confessor. Laws need to be certain (ius est certum) so as to avoid biased interpretation and application of ecclesiastical laws, since there is particularly in our time, a feeling of ethical and moral relativism, hence a loss of the sense of guilt for sins committed against God, the Church (community) and the individual with whom it is necessary to live in peace and build a better world, a world as desired by Jesus Christ and his bride.
Keywords
penal sanctions; Apostolic See; excommunication; suspension; prohibition of the celebration of the sacraments; absolution; the sacrament of penance; confessor; penitent; remittent penalties; unremittent penalties
Hrčak ID:
24698
URI
Publication date:
7.9.2005.
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