Absolvo te

[louisville]

I understand that the prayer of absolution is valid as long as the priest just says the words "I absolve you," but what if the priest inserts words within that very phrase. This has happened a few time with me.
For example, I once heard, "I, God's unworthy priest, absolve you..."
Is this absolution valid?
and what level of freedome does a priest have in "customizing" the prayer of absolution?
thanks

[cappie]

This is from the Rite of Penance:

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.

[b]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 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. [/b]As he says the final phrase the priest makes the sign of the cross over the penitent. The form of absolution 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.

Speaking personally I don't believe it is desirable to change or modify the words before the actual absulution, but it does not invalidate the sacrament (as long as the words above are not altered).