SEAL OF CONFESSION

                                                        

The Government of Ireland wants to force priests to violate the seal of confession.

Others have tried, others will try.

My purpose here is not to argue the matter – as a wise man once said: “For those who refuse to believe no arguments suffice.”

Across the centuries governments and kings, state security apparatus under the Soviets, the Gestapo under the Nazis, by torture or imprisonment have all tried to force priests to violate the seal.

In the 14^th century St. John Nepomucene was martyred because he would not violate the seal.

In the 20^th century St. Mateo Magallanes was martyred because he would not violate the seal.

Every priest must be willing to face martyrdom by blood or by imprisonment by modern courts rather than violate the seal.

One of the things Jesus did which so infuriated His enemies was to forgive sins.

In face of this latest assault on the Priesthood let us simply turn to Jesus through the intercessions of those priests known and unknown who have, like Sts. John and Mateo, by blood or other suffering, like St. John Vianney, laid down their lives that the Sacrament of Forgiveness remains intact and inviolate.