In these times far less penance is given than is traditional and proportionate to the sins. It is almost in fact, as if a penance due justice did not exist.
This lack of penance is a relatively recent phenomenon.
The history of penance in the Church, shows that there is a set amount of penance due for sins, that either must be performed in this life – or, in a far more severe fashion in the next.
In one way or another it must be either performed or forgiven by God.
The priest does not assign all the penance due a sin. The less he assigns the more you owe on your own. In fact the more he assigns the better, what he assigns is worth more than what you do on your own equivalently of your own volition.
St. Frances tells us that for each forgiven mortal sin, there is a term of seven years in Purgatory to undergo. This is the average penalty in the next life. And then if you consider venial sins… it adds up… to a long time.
On this earth, the priest gives a partial penance, we are expected to make up the rest on our own, here or there.
Here are the penances St. Charles Borromeo gave as guidelines for his priests:
Penitents who have taken part in any pagan superstitions should do penance for two years.
Penitents who have consulted magicians are obliged to endure a penance of five years.
Penitents who eat meat during Lent, without good cause, should not be permitted to receive Holy Communion at Easter.
Children who curse their parents should be given a penance of bread and water for forty days.
Depending upon the circumstances adultery is a sin requiring penance for five, seven, or even ten years.
…
The Irish penitentials will prescribe one hundred blows with a scourge, vigils, black fasts, etc.
Over and over again.
That is a little bit closer towards that penance truly due. So if you feel you’re not getting enough penance assigned. . .
Read some penitentials and begin. And ask your priest for more.
Penance is both key towards lessening time in purgatory, and going to Heaven at all.
