Faith & Liturgy: Penitential Practices in History

Did you know?

Lenten Traditions

• Forbidden word: have you buried the Alleluia? (And did you notice that flowers and the Gloria have disappeared from the church, too?)

• Popular literature: Did you know the Imitation of Christ was once the most-read book next to the Bible?

• Hide your holy images! (but not until Passiontide)

• Did you ever wonder why blessing eggs at Easter is a tradition? That’s because eggs (and dairy), as well as meat, were once prohibited for all of Lent.

• Silent penances: wear a cilice, or hairshirt, under your clothes. And put away those spring clothes: wear dark colors!

Photo: LecomteB, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons...

Penitentials

These were manuals compiled by medieval priests & bishops prescribing set penances for certain sins. You’ll be grateful for your “five Hail Marys” after reading these:

• Have you sworn by the Church, the Gospel, or the relics of the saints, as Christ prohibited? That’s seven or more years of penance for you!

• Has your priest ever prescribed fasting, pilgrimages, or scourging as a penance? It used to be more common!

• A monk too drunk to complete his prayers or who neglects his work would be deprived of dinner.

• A medieval bishop who killed someone would not only be disallowed to continue his ministry, but would have a penance of 12 years, the first 7 subsisting only on bread and water. (One hopes this did not happen often!)

And now, Catholic “Innovation” at its best:

• The “Extreme” Way of the Cross, started by a Polish priest over a decade ago, involves walking 40 kilometers or more in a 1-2 day pilgrimage. Pair it with minimal packing and a traditional Stations book! (40 kilometer hike not needed, but several great Stations printables from Saint Alphonsus Liguori here and here, or just read online here.)

Author’s note:

Difficult, painful, and any extreme penances should be taken under the advisement of a spiritual director. Strong medicines should be prescribed by a trained physician!

St. Jerome also warns us: “Be on your guard when you begin to mortify your body by abstinence and fasting, lest you imagine yourself to be perfect and a saint; for perfection does not consist in this virtue.”