father confessor
Priest hearing sins
A father confessor is a priest who hears confessions—a Catholic's regular spiritual adviser.
The term extends to any trusted person to whom one confides secrets or troubles: She became his father confessor, hearing all his doubts and regrets.
The figurative use emphasizes the listener's discretion and the speaker's need for absolution or understanding.
Formal clearing of guilt
- penanceSelf-mortification for wrongdoing
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- sinsViolations of moral law
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
reconciliation · sacrament · confessional · penitent · shriving · seal · absolution · remission
One who performs sacraments
- parishLocal church community
- cassockFull-length clerical garment
- dioceseBishop's territorial jurisdiction
- collarNeck encirclement
rector · vicar · curate · chaplain · cleric · vestment · ordination · sacristy
One who gives guidance
- guideLeader or instruction book
- counselExpert guidance offered
- wisdomGood judgment from experience
- directionWay something faces
support · elder · sage · mentor · teacher · counselor · patron · authority
Concealed information
- trustConfidence in another
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
- confideShare private matters
- unburdenRemove a weight from
confidence · listener · confidential · private · intimate · disclosure · safekeeping · counsel
absolution
Formal clearing of guilt
- penanceSelf-mortification for wrongdoing
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- sinsViolations of moral law
forgiveness · reconciliation · sacrament · confessional · penitent · shriving · seal · absolution · remission · indulgence
priest
One who performs sacraments
- parishLocal church community
- cassockFull-length clerical garment
- dioceseBishop's territorial jurisdiction
collar · rector · vicar · curate · chaplain · cleric · vestment · ordination · sacristy · pastoral
advisor
One who gives guidance
direction · support · elder · sage · mentor · teacher · counselor · patron · authority · instruction
secrets
Concealed information
- trustConfidence in another
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
- confideShare private matters
unburden · confidence · listener · confidential · private · intimate · disclosure · safekeeping · counsel · ear
soul
Innermost animating essence
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- faithTrust without proof
- salvationDeliverance from harm
grace · sin · morality · piety · holiness · sanctity · prayer · guidance · discernment · conscience
father confessortempter
One who lures astray
corrupter · bad influence · serpent · Mephistopheles · accuser
father confessorenemy
Hostile opposing party
adversary · antagonist · persecutor · tormentor · stranger
father, confessor, fathers, fathered, fathering, fatherly, fatherhood, confess, confessed