FROM PENANCE TO CONFESSION: THE CELTIC CONTRIBUTION
Kate Dooley
Summary In the history of Penance, influence Celtic church has been considered a significant factor in evolution sacrament. The general assumption is that Irish developed unique confession practice which was repeatable, had no public rites and administered by priest who aided penitential books. Canonical or penance never existed Ireland because cutoff from Continent Barbarian invasions. Moreover, this brought to missionaries at end sixth century gradually replaced canonical Penance. Several aspects theory have called into question contemporary archeological epigraphical studies, similarities penances recorded books elements Continental existence groups penitents attached monasteries. These clearly constitute penitent class. condemnation private Penance Council Toledo (589) frequently understood as referring practice. An examination canons 11 12 canon 8 Chalon-sur-Saône (ca. 650) raises questions concerning assumption. Commentators on offer widely differing interpretations point variety existing practices. variations indicate private, repeatable already emerged sporadic form without impetus influence. Canon confirms presbyter delegated bishop also an administrator Confession rather than therefore not innovation. Perhaps greatest came about result abuses tariff assigned for particular sins were often so severe such duration commutations became inevitable. substitutions, well proliferation factors leading abuse obliteration process expiation. effected future sacrament fostering individualism, promoting juridical role confessor particular, emphasizing act confessing guarantee forgiveness. Thus contribution change focus confession.
Bijdragen