Andrea Kordorican
wrote:
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Hi, guys —
- Is breaking a vow a mortal sin?
- Can I receive Holy Communion if I break a vow?
Andrea
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{
Is breaking a vow a mortal sin and can I receive Holy Communion if I break a vow? }
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Eric replied:
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Andrea,
It depends on the vow, whether it was public or private. Breaking a public vow such as a marriage vow or a religious vow is extremely serious. Breaking a vow made privately to God in prayer may be less serious.
Let's look at the definition of a vow according to Canon Law:
| Canon 1191 §1. A vow, that is, a deliberate and free promise made to God about a possible and better good, must be fulfilled by reason of the virtue of religion. |
- So the first thing I'd consider, is, is the vow about a possible and better good?
If it's not about a better good, then it's not a vow. Vows made out of grave and unjust fear or malice are also null and void.
Without additional details, I'd have to recommend discussing it with and confessing it to a priest in Confession.
Eric
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Andrea replied:
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Eric,
I forgot to say one prayer I promised God.
- Can I receive Holy Communion?
Andrea
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Eric replied:
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Andrea,
You cannot commit a mortal sin by forgetting something; a mortal sin must be done deliberately, intentionally, and knowingly.
I don't even think promising to pray a prayer even counts as a vow in the canonical sense so, yes, you can receive Holy Communion.
Eric
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Andrea replied:
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No I didn't promise.
I vowed to say some prayers every day and I forgot to say one.
- What is the difference between a vow and a promise?
I have read Canon Law but I don't understand it.
Sorry for taking your time!
God bless you and your family!
Andrea
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Eric replied:
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Andrea,
A vow is a promise made to God.
"The omission of one or two Masses or one or two Rosaries is not a grave matter in the case of a vow to be present at Mass or to say the Rosary every day. Every mortal sin is a grave offense against a vow to do what is most perfect; it is not the same with venial sin, even when deliberate; there must be a habit of committing acts which are certainly imperfect, in order to constitute a grave sin against this vow."
Vermeersch, Arthur, "Vows," ed. by Charles G. Herbermann, Edward A. Pace, Condé B. Pallen, Thomas J. Shahan, and John J. Wynne, The Catholic Encyclopedia: An International Work of Reference on the Constitution, Doctrine, Discipline, and History of the Catholic Church (New York: The Encyclopedia Press; The Universal Knowledge Foundation, 1907–1913) |
Eric
[Related Catechism paragraphs.]
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