Hi, guys —
I have a question about previous forgotten sins from long ago. When finishing a Confession and prior to receiving absolution, I always say, for these sins and any other sins that I may have forgotten.
The priest then absolves me. I am a aware that if, during a Confession, I forget to mention a recent mortal sin, that it is still forgiven with the proviso that I confess it at my next Confession.
About a year ago, I had a priest tell me not to worry about sins that are many years in the past, since they have been forgiven. I took that to mean all sins. Since that time, I have not followed-up with him.
I should preface my question by saying that I am 64-years-old. I also suffer from anxiety and excessively worry about his response to me. It seems that I am having memory flashbacks, usually:
- after using one of the many Examination of Conscience forms available, or
- of some memory that triggers it.
If I remember, I confess the sin(s) but there are other sins where I can't remember if I confessed them or not.
I am afraid that I will always have this problem and that I may be falling into scrupulosity. To be clear, I am not looking for a get out of jail free card.
I desperately want to make a good Confession but most of all, if I can, I want a clear answer.
Thank you,
Francis
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