I have not learned how to confess.

You ask me to lay bare my past, to prove my identity.
For conscience sake you ask that, and I for conscience sake say I will not, Monsieur.

You, when you enter your priestly life, put all your past behind you.

It is dead for ever: all its deeds and thoughts and desires, all its errors--sins.

I have entered on a life here which is to me as much a new life as your priesthood is to you.