Words Of Absolution

[The Bus Station]

Today I went to confession, and instead of saying "I absolve you," the priest said, "May Our Lord Jesus Christ absolve you." Now, I do believe his intent was to give me absolution... but I've read that the priest HAS to say "I absolve you," otherwise it is completely invalid. And obviously this is only a minor variation in the words, but... is it valid?

[cappie]

From the Rite of Penance: Introduction

Penitent’s Prayer and the Priest’s Absolution

19. Next, through a prayer for God’s pardon the penitent expresses contrition and the resolution to begin a new life. It is advantageous for this prayer to be based on the words of Scripture.

Following the penitent’s prayer, the priest extends his hands, or at least his right hand, over the head of the penitent and pronounces the formulary of absolution, in which [i]the essential words are: I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. [/i]As he says the final phrase the priest makes the sign of the cross over the penitent. The form of absolution [i]" 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 the 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. The penitent answers: Amen.[/i] indicates that the reconciliation of the penitent comes from the mercy of the Father; it shows the connection between the reconciliation of the sinner and the paschal mystery of Christ; it stresses the role of the Holy Spirit in the forgiveness of sins; finally, it underlines the ecclesial aspect of the sacrament, because reconciliation with God is asked for and given through the ministry of the Church.