Choose a topic from Part 3 Suppl:
1. The absolution we speak of here is not the absolution whichis a part of the sacrament of penance. That absolution isthe removing of sins from the soul of the penitent; the absolutionof which we now speak is the release of an excommunicated personfrom his censure. Absolution from sin is, indeed, usually requiredfor the rehabilitation of an excommunicated person, for the reasonfor his expulsion from the community of the faithful is grave sin,and he must be rid of that sin to be properly returned to the souland body of the Church. But the specific release of anexcommunicated person from the ecclesiastical ban, censure, andpenalty of excommunication, is the absolution of which wenow speak. Excommunication is imposed by ecclesiastical authority;therefore, only competent ecclesiastical authority can remove it;only an ecclesiastic with jurisdiction can absolve from it. In somecases of excommunication, a priest cannot absolve without obtainingjurisdiction from his bishop. In a few cases, in whichexcommunication has been imposed for most serious offences, theexcommunicated person cannot be absolved from his censure by anypriest except one who has received delegation of jurisdiction fromthe pope.
2. Excommunication can be absolved, even when theexcommunicated person does not seek absolution, or is opposed toit. For excommunication is imposed as a penalty for fault, but notas a fault itself. Now, while no fault can be forgiven without thecontrite will of the offender, penalty can be removed at the willof the one who imposed it, regardless of the will of him on whom itwas imposed.
3. Just as it is possible for a person to haveexcommunication added to excommunication, so also it is possiblefor such a person to have one excommunication absolved while othersremain.
"Those who love God are always happy, because their whole happiness is to fulfill, even in adversity, the will of God."
St Alphonsus de Liguori
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"Let persons in the world sanctify themselves in their own houses, for neither the court, professions, or labour, are any hindrance to the service of God."
St Philip Neri
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"To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself.
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Thomas á Kempis
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