No Penance, No Absolve Part 2?

[L5]

What happens if a priest doesn't even give me a penance at all but does say the prayer of absolution?

In a more extreme case, what happens when a priest "forgets" to say the prayer of absolution? This happened to a friend of mine, when a priest dozed off...when he came to his senses, he closed the booth window and heard the confession on the other side, and then he came back and she asked "Father, are my sins forgiven?" and he said "Huh? Uh...oh yeah! Sure they are!"

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
4/17 - Easter Saturday

L5,

Good questions. If a priest doesn't give a penance but simply goes straight into absolution, you're fine; you may ask him for a penance when you're done, but regardless, you're still forgiven. Matter (sins), form (the prayer of absolution) and intent to forgive were all present, so it "counts" - no need to worry.

If a priest forgets altogether to pray the prayer of absolution, it may be wise to [i]gently[/i] remind him that he didn't say it. Otherwise, just go to confession again to clear the conscience. I hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono