APOSTOLIC PENITENTIARY Meaning and
Definition
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The term "apostolic penitentiary" refers to a specific office within the Roman Catholic Church that addresses matters related to forgiveness and reconciliation with regards to sins and canonical penalties. The Apostolic Penitentiary is one of the three principal tribunals of the Roman Curia, the administrative apparatus of the Holy See.
Its main role is to administer the sacrament of penance, also known as confession, and to grant absolution to those seeking forgiveness for their sins. The Apostolic Penitentiary has the authority to issue indulgences, which are remissions of temporal punishment due to sins that have already been forgiven spiritually. It addresses matters such as the lifting of excommunications and dispensations from vows.
The head of the Apostolic Penitentiary holds the title of Major Penitentiary and is appointed directly by the Pope. The office consists of a panel of confessors who have the expertise and jurisdiction to handle complex cases and provide guidance to both clergy and laypeople seeking reconciliation. They also play a role in granting specific permissions to certain individuals or groups for particular acts of devotion or worship.
Overall, the Apostolic Penitentiary acts as a central authority within the Catholic Church to ensure the proper administration of repentance, forgiveness, and the granting of indulgences, providing spiritual guidance and assistance in matters related to the sacrament of penance.
Etymology of APOSTOLIC PENITENTIARY
The term "apostolic penitentiary" has its roots in Christian theology and the structure of the Catholic Church.
Etymologically, the word "apostolic" comes from the Latin "apostolicus", which originates from the Greek word "apostolikos", meaning "pertaining to an apostle". The apostles were the primary disciples of Jesus Christ, chosen to spread his teachings. In the Catholic Church, the notion of "apostolic" signifies a direct connection to the apostles and their authority.
The word "penitentiary" derives from the Latin "paenitentia", meaning "penance" or "repentance". It refers to the act of expressing remorse for sins committed and seeking forgiveness.
