17th-century Catholicism
Have a few question about Catholic practices in the early 1600s, esp. confession (the Sacrament of Penance).
1) Am I right in believing that repentance is a crucial part of the confession process? As in, the priest could refuse to grant forgiveness if the confessee didn't (successfully) act repentant about whatever they'd done?
2) Are there any sins so major that a "regular" priest wouldn't be able to assign proper atonement or grant absolution?
3) Is there a set "ceremony" for confession? I know "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned" is a classic, but is it always used?
4) Would a person who hadn't, well, confessed recently be barred from taking part in Mass or Communion, or any of the other sacraments? Would they be allowed to be buried in consecrated ground? Edit: I found a "confession prep" page that says taking part in Mass while in a state of mortal sin is in itself a sin, but not what the consequences would be if you were found out...
1) Am I right in believing that repentance is a crucial part of the confession process? As in, the priest could refuse to grant forgiveness if the confessee didn't (successfully) act repentant about whatever they'd done?
2) Are there any sins so major that a "regular" priest wouldn't be able to assign proper atonement or grant absolution?
3) Is there a set "ceremony" for confession? I know "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned" is a classic, but is it always used?
4) Would a person who hadn't, well, confessed recently be barred from taking part in Mass or Communion, or any of the other sacraments? Would they be allowed to be buried in consecrated ground? Edit: I found a "confession prep" page that says taking part in Mass while in a state of mortal sin is in itself a sin, but not what the consequences would be if you were found out...