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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Penitent needs to be physically present for confession, says prelate

Penitent needs to be physically present for confession, says prelate

Published May 21, 2021 05:36 pm

A priest may hear confession using a mobile phone but the penitent must be physically present, according to a Catholic prelate.

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David (CBCP News)

"As long as the penitent is physically present, even from a safe distance (without a divider), you can hear his /her confession through your phone. This way you are only using your phones as speakers," Caloocan Bishop Pablo David said in a Facebook post Friday, May 21.

"This is a valid sacrament of reconciliation," he added.

This was David's recommendation to his priests for individual confessions during this coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

David said for confession, priests may find or build a place with a separating clear glass divider (floor to ceiling is better).

"Sit on the opposite side of the clear glass divider while penitent is sitting on the other side," he said.

"Use a cell phone with a parish SIM card and give the number to the penitent," added David.

"Allow the penitent to call you from the other side of the glass divider and start making a confession," he said.

The Caloocan prelate reminded priests not to put cell phone on loudspeaker so as to ensure that the seal of confession is not compromised.

Confession is a sacrament, wherein one states his/her sins before a priest in a bid to seek forgiveness from God.

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