According to the
Baltimore Catechism...
Q. When are we
bound to admonish the sinner?
A. We are bound
to admonish the sinner when the following conditions are fulfilled: (1) When his
fault is a mortal sin; (2) When we have authority or influence over him, and (3)
When there is reason to believe that our warning will not make him worse instead
of better.
Admonishing the sinner
is one of seven 'spiritual works of mercy'.
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"Fraternal
correction is a matter of precept, in so far as it is an act of virtue, and it
will be a virtuous act in so far as it is proportionate to the end. Consequently
whenever it is a hindrance to the end, for instance when a man becomes worse
through it... [it is not then] a matter precept." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of
the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")
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Note: The timing
/ wording
/ conditions
/ etc. of any admonishment should be
carefully considered, and also the other party's potential reaction should be
considered. Admonishing some people may be dangerous. Proceed at your own risk.
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