The new English formula for absolution used in penance is to go into effect sometime during 2023. Last year, the U.S. Bishops voted on two slight changes in translation from the current formula. This year, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments approved this latest translation of the Latin original.
Here is what we will hear when we go to confession probably after 2023 begins:
“God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his son has reconciled the world to himself and poured out (currently, sent) the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the church may God grant (currently, 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.”
“Poured out” will replace “sent,” while “grant” will be said rather than “give.”
To be sure, this latest formula of absolution is not a new prayer. Rather,…
