What should I do if.....

[Ianny01]

Hello,

This has been a large process that bothers me now and I want to know if I should do anything besides confession, or if it is even a sin.

A long time ago, I got a copy of a book that had a preface with an essay that extolled the book's virtue and reliability and theory in the modern world.

I lent the book to a friend and he lost it. So, he bought me a new version of the book without that preface and that essay.

Later, I was given an assignment to write an 800 word research paper. I took the ideas of that essay, which I somewhat internalized. I even forgot the name of the author of the essay.

A year after that, I entered into Academic Decatholon and for the speech portion I used my essay, which I condensed as a speech. I won first place.

Is this really a mortal sin? Must I do anything besides confession to rectify this? Admittedly I took another person's idea. However, I don't remember the person nor where I got the book from. I'm not even sure if I did that first taking of information and idea, with full conscious awareness. I don't know. I'm just really worried that I may be even tricking myself. Any help would be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Ianny01

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
3/16 - Fifth Wednesday of Lent

Ianny01,

If you think it was a sin, then confess it to your normal confessor - he'll probably know better than any of us whether there is anything you need to do to rectify the problem further. Hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono