Definition of penance

The word "penance" derives from the Latin word "paenitentia," which translates to "regretting." In Christian theology, penance refers to the act of confessing one's sins, feeling remorse or regret, and making amends for those sins through prayer, charitable works, and acts of self-denial. The practice of penance has a long history in Christianity, dating back to the early Church. In the fourth century, Saint Jerome wrote that "true penitents grieve for their sins and correct them by amendment." The concept of penance evolved over time, with the medieval Church developing a formalized system of penances under the influence of the early Christian penitents, known as anchoresses and hermits. The Council of Trent (1545-1563) reaffirmed the importance of confession and penance as central elements of Christian practice, emphasizing that sinners must confess their sins to a priest, receive absolution, and take on specific acts of self-mortification and self-discipline as penance. This theology of penance has remained a part of Christian theology and practice to this day, with many denominations emphasizing the importance of forgiveness, remorse, and penance in their teachings. In addition to its religious origins, the word "penance" has also been used in secular contexts to describe acts of self-discipline, self-reflection, and remorse for past actions. Overall, the origin of the word "penance" reflects the central role of repentance, self-discipline, and remorse in many religious and cultural traditions, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and making amends for wrongdoing in order to achieve personal growth and spiritual healing.