Acts of Penance
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Given the state of the world (and our souls), and at the urging of Our Lady of Fatima, and also at Lourdes, it was recommended we do penance. For a definition of Penance, we go to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd Edition, (CCC) Para. 1434-1439.
1434 “The interior penance of the Christian can be expressed in many and various ways. Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others. Alongside the radical purification brought about by Baptism or martyrdom they cite as means of obtaining forgiveness of sins: effort at reconciliation with one's neighbor, tears of repentance, concern for the salvation of one's neighbor, the intercession of the saints, and the practice of charity "which covers a multitude of sins."
Ways to do Penance:
- We do penance by giving something up. Snacks, cookies, sweets, when we offer giving them up for an intention. Peace in the world, for example.
- Performing a charitable act, to/for a neighbor, or a stranger. In a parking lot I was once asked for a dollar or two. I’ll admit I was hesitant, hoping this chap wasn’t going to rob me once I pulled my wallet out if my pocket, but I gave him $5, I believe (this was some time ago).
- Apologizing to an injured party, healing divisions within our families, fasting during the Lenten season, or graciously accepting the menial tasks of life. The purpose of penance is not to diminish life but to enrich it.
- Living a life of prayer and moderation in what you eat, drink.
- Fasting and giving alms. "For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mk 10:45).
- Go to frequent confession, in general, giving up sin. That can be an act of Penance. Do good works. Be friendly to other people.
- Control your desire for entertainment; if you must watch TV, pick shows and movies that are “clean” – keep the trash out of your living room.
We carry a lot of baggage, particularly remorse for sins of the past. If you’ve gone to confession and all is forgiven, you will keep feeling remorse: a feeling of regret or sadness for doing wrong or sinning. It is difficult to entirely forget one’s sinful years (perhaps teenage or young adult lifestyles that were unbecoming). You think about it (‘what if’ scenarios), feel lousy for having gone that far off the deep end.
Talk it over with your confessor if it keeps bothering you. I am sure there are other ideas for doing penance, but they don’t come to mind right now. I hope this little bit helps. For me, this subject is a preparation for Pentecost, where I ask the Holy Spirit for His guidance.
In John 14:26 “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Peace and all Good,
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
May 16, 2026