St. Leo I, The Great, 440-461

reason different from ours. For He who is true God, is likewise true man, and there is no falsehood in this unity, as long as there are alternately the lowliness of man and the exaltedness of the Divinity. For, just as God is not changed by His compassion, so man is not destroyed by His dignity. For each nature does what is proper to it with the mutual participation of the other; the Word clearly effecting what belongs to the Word, and the flesh performing what belongs to the flesh. One of these gleams with miracles; the other sinks under injuries. And just as the Word does not withdraw from the equality of the paternal glory, so His body does not abandon the nature of our race [For more see R n. 2183 f. 2188].

144*. Matrimony as a sacrament [Eph. 5:32] see R n. 2189; The creation of the soul and original sin, see R n. 2181.

Secret Confession¹

[From epistle "Magna indign." to all the bishops through Campania, etc., March 6, 459]

145. (2) I also decree that that presumption against the apostolic regulation, which I recently learned is being committed by some through unlawful usurpation, be banished by all means.

With regard to penance, what is demanded of the faithful, is clearly not that an acknowledgement of the nature of individual sins written in a little book be read publicly, since it suffices that the states of consciences be made known to the priests alone in secret confession. For although the fullness of faith seems to be laudable, which on account of the fear of God is not afraid to blush before men, nevertheless since the sins of all are not such that those who ask for penance do not dread to publish them, so objectionable a custom should be abolished. . . . For that confession is sufficient, which is first offered to God, then also to a priest, who serves as an intercessor for the transgressions of the penitents. For then, indeed, more will be able to be incited to penance, if the conscience of the one confessing is not exposed to the ears of the people.

The Sacrament of Penance²

[From epistle (108) "Solicitudinis quidem tuae" to Theodore, Bishop of Forum Julii, June 11, 452]

146. (2) The manifold mercy of God came to the assistance of fallen men in such a way that the hope of eternal life might be recovered not only