The Absolution Scandal

Priests are not acting on their own behalf they're acting as a representative of the church and of Christ so the words of absolution are definitive they are always forgiving. If that happens to you then don't go to that priest again for confession it's sad but like you said my favorite thing to do as a priest really is honestly hearing hearing confessions  and I've seen so much good come from it. The people who come back over and over again with the same sins knowing that we're there to help them to gain victory over this was one of those things they can't train you for in seminary.