I get reams of email from people who, during confession, run into priests who don’t (or won’t) say the proper words of absolution, thus throwing them into doubts about whether or not they were validly absolved.
Under another entry I facetiously proposed that I should make a coffee mug with the formula absolutionis which people could give to these erring confessors.
No sooner did I post that, but I got a score or so of emails from people saying they would get one and pass it on.
So, I am thinking about mugs, yes, but perhaps also a small poster and maybe note cards. The poster could go in the confessional and you could hand the note cards to the priest.
I could have two version. One would be entirely in Latin, with both the Ordinary and Extraordinary Form formulas of absolution. The other would be just for the Ordinary Form, but in both Latin and English
Anyone interested?
Samples:
And also
Keep in mind that the mug would give him something to look at an review every single day. Be sure to give him a steady supply of Mystic Monk Coffee to go with it!
I am frankly vexed by hearing about priests who won’t or can’t use the proper form of absolution.
If they can’t get it right, they should go work as dish washers instead of confusing God’s people in a matter that is so important, solemn, and delicate.
So, in charity, to reduce my vexation and to keep them from the minimum wage, let’s give them some help!
In addition to the mug designs (above… and since Cafepress has changed the way products are created I can have more than one design in the same section…) I worked up some “post cards” which could be left behind for Father, handed to him, or even mailed:
I also tinkered with business cards. The request is on the front and the form for convenience is on the back. A business card is small enough to slide even through most grates:
I am also thinking about something with the Apostolic Pardon.
