Dear forum,
What would be good advice to give to a traditional Catholic in a state of mortal sin who cannot get to a real priest for confession for two weeks due to distance and work? How did Catholics in the past handle this very real situation? Obviously those of us in the US are luckier than those in other countries? What advice should be given to those poor souls that will give them hope that they would not be fired into hell if they died before two weeks? Going to a fake novus ordo priest would not be an option or good advice.
thank you for your time,
Traditionally, the immediate action has always been to make a Perfect Act of Contrition, which consists in heartfelt sorrow only for offending God, without regard to fear of punishment (Hell). This is also a good practice, period. For example, recently I committed a single sin which was a result of poor judgment on my part but was most likely venial. Nevertheless, it made me feel very uncomfortable. (I am more sensitive to all of my sins lately, including venial ones; if they trouble me, for whatever reason, I am uncomfortable until I can confess them. That's not scruples; it's just where I am in my spiritual life right now.)
I made a perfect Act of Contrition-- in fact, more than one. I also made a visit to chapel and said two rosaries. Then, two days later, I went to confession (trad priest, yes). I will say, though, that I sensed that my friendship with Our Lord was definitely restored and renewed prior to getting, actually, to the Sacrament. He knew that the sacrament was my intention, and that the previously expressed sorrow was out of love, not out of fear.
If I were you, I would just keep saying a daily act of perfect contrition, along with a rosary centered on the Sorrowful Mysteries, until you can get to confession. I would also say the Litany to the Sacred Heart, daily.