Questo articolo è disponibile anche in:
Italian 
English
Question
Dear father Angelo,
a year ago I did a general confession. One of the sins I confessed was the theft of ten thousand euros.
Now, I think I have stolen much more money.
I said that I stole ten thousand euros believing that to be the exact amount of money.
Now, I would like to know if my confession was invalid or if I have to confess about the extra money I stole, even if I hadn’t deliberately kept silent about it.
The answer from father Angelo
My dear,
1- to say ten thousand, or more than ten thousand, it doesn’t mutate the sin in its substance, that for its matter remains grave.
Therefore, considering that you didn’t want to lie by declaring that amount of money, you don’t have to be clearer on that point in another confession.
2-However, I take this opportunity to say something about the seventh commandment which reads: “you shall not steal“. For the remission of this kind of sin the confession isn’t enough (although it is still required) since there is also the necessity of returning what was stolen.
3- Concerning this matter, the sin can’t be taken away until the good which was taken away is given back: non remittitur peccatum nisi restituatur ablatum.
4- The discussion about the modality and the possibility of restitution is complex. That’s why, unless you have already done it, you should try to align your actions to the prudential indications that the confessor will give you.
If you obey your confessor you shall be at peace.
I wish you every good, I bless you and assure you of remembrance to the Lord.
Father Angelo
