Vatican City, Mar 8, 2010 / 13:35 pm
A course for young priests on the proper administration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation began Monday afternoon in the Vatican. The classes aim to prepare the priests for especially delicate matters that come up in the confessional.
The “Course on the Internal Forum” will run until March 12 and is offered primarily to young priests, according to a communique released for the occasion and cited on Vatican Radio.
The initiative, organized by the Apostolic Penitentiary, employs experts who will address “moral and canonical themes that involve the penitential ministry” along the course of the five days. Special attention is being given to confessions.
According to the communique released for the occasion, issues of “particular delicateness” are being confronted in the classes and guidance is to be provided on “the canonical discipline and its correct application regarding the offenses, the penance and various practical aspects.” Particularly complex and delicate cases involving conjugal and family morals will be examined, along with confession as an “instrument for moral education.”
Major Penitentiary Archbishop Fortunato Baldelli is presiding over the course, which is being held in the Vatican’s Palace of the Chancery.