We conclude a look at the rubrics and text of form I with this post, starting with a preference for two hands over one:
ABSOLUTION
46. Then the priest extends his hands over the penitent’s head (or at least extends his right hand) and says:
God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.
The penitent answers:
Amen.
PROCLAMATION OF PRAISE OF GOD AND DISMISSAL
47. After the absolution, the priest continues:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
The penitent concludes:
His mercy endures for ever.
Then the priest dismisses the penitent who has been reconciled, saying:
The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace.
Or:
May the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of all the saints, whatever good you do and suffering you endure,heal your sins, help you to grow in holiness, and reward you with eternal life.
Go in peace.
Or:
The Lord has freed you from sin. May he bring you safely to his kingdom in heaven. Give glory to him for ever.
Amen
Or:
Blessed are those whose sins have been forgiven, whose evil deeds have been forgotten. Rejoice in the Lord, and go in peace.
Or:
Go in peace to proclaim to the world the wonderful works of God who has brought you salvation.
Do confessors use these ritual forms? Most often I hear the first choice, and hardly ever the lengthy options.
2 January 2008 at 7:33 am
By first choice, do you mean under 47? Because 46 is not optional or variable in the Roman rite (though I recall as recently as 2006 having a visiting priest pronounce “May your sins be forgiven” as his form of absolution and not having the temerity to ask for a valid form of absolution. Why oh why would any priest do this to a penitent? It boggles the mind.).
As for 47, I don’t recall anything memorable other than “Go in peace”, which is part of all the options but not an option itself.