POSSIBLE FACULTY EXAM QUESTIONS – MORAL THEOLOGY

1. What is the role of the apostolic penitentiary?

Vatican tribunal that deal with matters of the internal forum… it emphasizes the secrecy of
the Apostolic Penitentiary’s work and handling of cases involving gravest of sins…e.g.
desecration of the Eucharist. It deals with the issues of the indulgences. Handles the cases
of grave sin. Violation of the Confessional seal and Eucharist

2. Explain any 2 ways by which the Eucharist is desecrated.

i. If used for rituals and used for magic.
ii. Throwing away the Eucharist.
iii. Intentionally spiting away the Eucharist.
iv. Shooting/ Violating the tabernacle.

3. Give any name by which confession is known and explain.

Sacrament of Conversion because calls for the conversion of one’s sins…. Sacrament of
Forgiveness, Sacrament of Confession (cf CCC 1423-1424).

4. What is a bad or invalid Confession?

i. Confessing to someone who is not a priest knowing.
ii. Without examination of conscience.
iii. Hiding one's mortal sin.
iv. Lying in the confession.
v. Use of improper words of absolution (to the priest). Sacrilege what is it???
Grave sin.

5. What sins must one confess?

Mortal sins and while we are encouraged to confess venial sins.

6. Why is the confession necessary?

Our human nature call us for the assurance that our sins are forgiven.
Confession is the visible manifestation of God’s love. Helps one to be in the state
of grace, brings the sinner back to God eg Prodigal son.

7. Give me any definition of sin according to the CCC?

Sin is an offence against God as well as a fault against reason truth and right
conscience. Deliberate thought, word, deed contrary to the eternal law of God.
Willfully rejecting good and choosing evil (CCC 1849 - 1853).

8. What is mortal/ venial sin? And what is the relationship between the two?
Mortain grave infraction of the law of God that destroy the divine life in the soul
of the sinner—turning away from God with full knowledge + consent.
Venial does not destroy the divine life in the soul but it diminishes and wounds
the soul. Failure to observe necessary moderation. Relationship by its
gravity...Leeds us to sin
9. Is there any ground for comparing and contrasting vice and virtue?
Yes Virtue a quality that is morally good e.g. Theological and Vice an immortal
actions. They are all human actions.

10. Outline the classification/5 divisions of sin.

ORIGIN- original/actual, GRAVITY- mortal/venial, NUMERICAL
DISTINCTION, SIN OF OMISSION/COMMISION, MANIFESTATION-
external/internal.... (The rule of confession- kind and frequency).

11. How is original sin forgiven/ washed away?

Through the water of baptism, (matter + form) what remains is concupiscence.

12. 3 components that constitute a mortal sin?

Grave mater (eg murder going against the commandments)/ full knowledge
(know the consequences)/ complete consent (not forced).

13. What is the consequence of unrepented mortal sin?

Hell. What is hell?? It is a state of torments, suffering eternal death. (CCC
1033).

14. Is there any need for confessing a venial sin?

Yes, confessed as a way of avoiding mortal sins.

15. Is it permissible for the confessor to ask the penitent the number of times they have
committed a particular sin?
Yes it is permissible (Can 988). Why? Help to judge and the advice to be given.

16. Define and give an example of sin of commission and omission.

Commission is the positive act against a precept e.g A prohibited act is
committed stealing. Omission occurs when a required act is omitted e.g
Choosing to miss Mass on a Sunday. (Good Samaritan priest was suppose to
help. The rich man and Lazarus).

17. Does sin have a social dimension? How does one’s sin affected the other?
Yes it does, one sins affects the other. Power to affect the neighbours, my sin
may affect the next person e.g. if I kill another it affects the other.

18. What is social sin?

Direct attack on the other person. Sinner against the love of neighbour.
Understood in groups that perpetuate sin. e.g. scandal whole church is pained
after my sin. What about communion of saints? Triumphant - Pilgrimage-
Militant Church.

19. Define and give an example of external sin.

Sin committed with words and actions attitudes visualized by our senses.

20. Define and give an example of internal sin.

 It is found in thought, or desire---sexual matters. It happens within ourselves not
manifested outward, fantasy, lust, desires e.g. Jesus Sermon on the Mount.

21. Name the twofold hatred of sin and where each arises from.
Perfect contrition (rises from the love of God… faith and love of God) +
Imperfect Contrition (arises from the fear of hell…. The motive is wrong).

22. Enumerate the 5 qualities of the act of perfect contrition, explaining the meaning of each.
i. Interior – is an interior act of the mind and will.
ii. Supernatural – the actual grace is the supernatural assistance that
enlightens the mind to know the will of God and strengthens the will to do
the will of God.
iii. Universal act of contrition must include all of the mortal sins.
iv. Supreme- we could rather die than to commit sin.
v. Intense.
23. Give the other name by which imperfect contrition is known.
Attrition (perfect constriction of Charity).

24. Recite the act of contrition.

Mwali wangu, ndineshungu nokuti ndakamuchinyila. Andichinoda
kumuchinyila kabili pe. Amen.

25. Mention the 3 key parts of the act of contrition and explain what each part stands for.
i. I am hereby sorry- an expression of sorrow.
ii. Because they have offended you my God- acknowledgement of offending
GOD.
iii. I firmly resolve, to sin no more.

26. Why is the confessor instructed not to probe during confession? Are there any exceptions to
that?
The penitent might feel uncomfortable --- afraid to confess their sins (Pope
Francis Confession is not a toure chamber).

27. What is the purpose of penance and the role of the priest in the confessional?
Priest makes visible the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus in the sacrament of
confession---- Priest absolve sins in the name and in the person of Jesus. To listen
and to judge his sincerity and offer absolution. Purpose of Penance to amend the
relationship with God + neighbor.

28. Recite the prayer of absolution.

GOD, THE FATHER OF MERCIES, THROUGH THE DEATH AND
RESURRECTION OF HIS SON HAS RECONCILED THE WORLD TO
HIMSELF AND SENT THE HOLY SPIRIT AMONG US FOR
FORGIVENESS OF SINS, THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
MAY GOD 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.
29. Is a priest allowed to shorten the prayer of absolution?
NO/ Yes in danger of death.

30. Name any two documents which the late pope JP II wrote calling the attention of priests to the
abuse of General Absolution.
i. RECONCILIATIO ET PAENITENTIAE 1984.
ii. Dives in Misericordia 1980.
iii. CCC is ascribed to him on the sacrament of penance.
iv. Miserecordia Dei 2002.
v. Catechis Tradente.

31. When can a priest administer general absolution? – 2 situations.

i. When it is impossible to hear confessions to every single person present. when
danger of death threatens.
ii. When they is a grave necessity.

32. Under what circumstances can a priest refuse to absolve a penitent in the confessional?
i. Opportunely asked without an appointment.
ii. Not properly disposed.
iii. When prohibited by the law e.g. under age, excommunication,
impediment.

33. What is satisfaction and give one biblical example of a person who honestly righted his
wrong?
Consists in the penitent’s willingness to accept the penance imposed and its
actual fulfillment e.g. Jonah, Paul Act 9, Zaccheus , Lk 17:11-19.

34. Can you go to communion without going to confession?

Well every baptized should be in the state of grace without mortal sin, to receive
communion it is advisable to do confession.

35. What is confessional seal and explain how it be violated directly and indirectly.
Absolute duty of the priest not to disclose anything from the confession.
Direct---revelation of the matter + identification of the sinner.
Indirect --- it can be mentioning the sin of the penitent * make parents of a
penitent aware of certain people * using a loud voice * speaking to another
confessor about certain sins which the penitent has confessed to both * showing a
change of attitude to the penitent or others after confession.

36. What happens to a priest (penalty) if he violates the confessional seal? And highlight the
severity of this penalty according to the 4th Lateran council.
Confinement and Perpetual penance in a monastery. Ex-communication. CCC
2491.

37. Are there any exceptional circumstances where portions of a confession may be revealed to
others? If so, state the conditions.
Yes, but limited cases. It is revealed to other with the penitent’s permission.
38. Can a priest break the confessional seal under interrogation by civil authority [even when
what was confessed is a criminal matter?
NO, he cannot use the knowledge acquired in the confession for external use.

39. Can a priest in giving penance to the penitent refer to previous confessions?
No he cannot use the previous information of the penitent.

40. To what can the seal of confession be compared in secular terms or in the civil society?
Confidentiality... Attorney Client Privilege e.g. Judiciary Secrecy, Professional
Counselling (HIV/AIDS).

41. Why are directors of novices and rectors of seminaries or other institutions of education are
(prohibited) to hear confessions of their students unless of their own accord request it?
Rector is responsible for writing recommendations needed for ordination hence
they is that danger that he might use the internal knowledge for external use.

42. Can u confess to a fellow priest who helped you to commit a sin e.g. fornication?
No, unless there is a danger of death.

43. Enumerate the 5 sins only the pope can absolve.

i. Defiling of the Eucharist.
ii. Attempt to assassinate the Pope.
iii. Breaking of the seal of confession.
iv. Priest offering absolution to his own sexual partner.
v. Participating in an abortion.

44. By which other name the 6 precepts of the Catholic Church known?
Duties of a Catholic...Commandments of the Church.
Does their violation constitute a sin?
Yes. If so, what kind of a sin? Sin of Omission.

45. List the capital sins and explain why they are called capital?
Pride, they led you into other sins.

46. Give 5 corresponding virtues to any 5 deadly sins.

i. Pride = Humility.
ii. Lust = Chastity.
iii. Anger = Patience.
iv. Envy = Gratitude.

47. Mention the 2 kind of works of mercy highlighting what they are concerned about.
i. Corporal Works of Mercy --- concerned with the material needs of
others.
ii. Spiritual concerned with the spiritual needs of others.

48. List the 6 sins against the Holy Spirit.

i. Presumption.
ii. Despair.
 iii. Resisting the known truth.
iv. Envy of another’s spiritual good.
v. Obstinacy to sin.
vi. Final impediment
49. Mention the 4 sins that cry out to heaven.
i. Willful murder.
ii. Sin of Sodom.
iii. Oppression of the Poor.
iv. Defrauding laborers of their wage.

50. Explain any 5 ways by which we participate in the sin of the other.
i. By counsel.
ii. By command.
iii. By consent.
iv. By partaking.
v. By silence.
vi. Defense of the ill done.
vii. By concealment.
viii. By provocation.

51. What are the moral implications of solicitation?

52. Wat is sacrilege?

Misuse or profane of sacred things.

MORAL CASES IN THE CONFESSIONAL