Penitential Clothing

[rcuk]

Hi All;

I heard two interesting things- one at Mass, one on Catholic radio. Advent is also a penitential/preparatory period, and I also heard something about penitential clothing?

I’m not sure if I would do this- I need to work on fasting first! But I wondered if anyone knew anything about penitential clothing, or where/what can be bought?

Thanks!

 

[Miserissima]

I’m thinking it means wearing clothing that doesn’t bring attention to itself or the wearer. It could be something simple, like doing without nail polish for ladies, or a subdued tie for a gentleman instead of the Official NHL Bruins tie on game day.

I’d be interested in hearing more about this, too. I’m sure they include the office’s “Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest!”

 

[Neofight]

Hi All;

I heard two interesting things- one at Mass, one on Catholic radio. Advent is also a penitential/preparatory period, and I also heard something about penitential clothing?

I’m not sure if I would do this- I need to work on fasting first! But I wondered if anyone knew anything about penitential clothing, or where/what can be bought?

Thanks!

Couple of thoughts you may want to consider:

1. Perhaps any clothing we wear is penitential, especially if we consider Genesis 3:7 -

***Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. ***

1. And, perhaps fasting is not what we need to work on first, but rather almsgiving should be worked on first, especially considering this ancient Pseudo-Clement homily from the third or fourth century:

Wherefore, brethren, having received no small occasion for repentance, while we have the opportunity, let us turn unto God that called us, while we still have Him as One that receiveth us. For if we renounce these enjoyments and conquer our soul in not doing these its evil desires, we shall partake of the mercy of Jesus. But ye know that the day of judgment even now “cometh as a burning oven, and some “of the heavens shall melt, and all the earth shall be as lead melting on the fire, and then the hidden and open works of men shall appear. Almsgiving therefore is a good thing, as repentance from sin; fasting is better than prayer, but almsgiving than both; “but love covereth a multitude of sins.” But prayer out of a good conscience delivereth from death. Blessed is every one that is found full of these; for alms-giving lighteneth the burden of sin.

Peace and all Good!

 

[TheSurvivor]

Hi All;

I heard two interesting things- one at Mass, one on Catholic radio. Advent is also a penitential/preparatory period, and I also heard something about penitential clothing?

I’m not sure if I would do this- I need to work on fasting first! But I wondered if anyone knew anything about penitential clothing, or where/what can be bought?

Thanks!

I am thinking of a hair shirt, like the one St. Thomas More wore. Just wear one under a sweater and no one will see it!

 

[Linusthe2nd]

Hi All;

I heard two interesting things- one at Mass, one on Catholic radio. Advent is also a penitential/preparatory period, and I also heard something about penitential clothing?

I’m not sure if I would do this- I need to work on fasting first! But I wondered if anyone knew anything about penitential clothing, or where/what can be bought?

Thanks!

Penance is fruitless if you are advertizing to the world that you are doing penance. The idea is to be bright and cheery while doing penance. I think the proper approach is to live like the poor. Buy less trendy, expensive foods, eat at home instead of going out, pack a lunch instead of buying lunch out, shop at thirft stores instead of retail stores, drive a second hand car instead of a new one, instead of buying an expensive car, buy a cheaper model, mow your own yeard instead of hiring it done, etc.

Pax
Linus2nd

 

[tee_eff_em]

I heard two interesting things- one at Mass, one on Catholic radio. Advent is also a penitential/preparatory period…

Advent is a preparatory and expectant season, looking to the arrival of Christ both at the Nativity and the End Times, but I do not think it is, strictly speaking, penitential.

If it was, you’d think it would be mentioned in Canon 1250, no?

Can. 1250 The penitential days and times in the universal Church are every Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent.

:twocents:
tee
Not A Canon Lawyer

 

[schaeffer]

you could choose clothing that you find uncomfortable, like wool socks if you don’t like them, too tight belt, too tight shoes etc. Or sew yourself a burlap undershirt. You can buy burlap at fabric and craft stores.

A wool sweater with the sleeves cut off as an undershirt might work too.

 

[Chayla]

you could choose clothing that you find uncomfortable, like wool socks if you don’t like them, too tight belt, too tight shoes etc. Or sew yourself a burlap undershirt. You can buy burlap at fabric and craft stores.

A wool sweater with the sleeves cut off as an undershirt might work too.

You need to be careful about your advice. While one can refrain from some physical "comforts’ for spiritual reasons, we should NOT recommend doing things that cause physical harm and damage. And, ill-fitting shoes CAN cause some real damage.

 

[rcuk]

Thanks for all the replies; all very interesting.

By the way- Advent isn’t a penitential season in the calendar of the church- no. I think the priest was suggesting that we take a penitential attitude as a means of preparation for the coming of Christ.

This also fits with the Baptism of Repentance before Jesus began his ministry.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

Or sew yourself a burlap undershirt. You can buy burlap at fabric and craft stores.

A wool sweater with the sleeves cut off as an undershirt might work too.

Talk to a good and holy priest who knows your soul and ask for his permission before you do this. If he says no, you obey him.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

Thanks for all the replies; all very interesting.

By the way- Advent isn’t a penitential season in the calendar of the church- no. I think the priest was suggesting that we take a penitential attitude as a means of preparation for the coming of Christ.

This also fits with the Baptism of Repentance before Jesus began his ministry.

Yes it is. That’s why violet vestments are worn, there is no Gloria, the Church used to even require fasting during this time. It’s not as pennitential as Lent, but it is still a penitential season.

 

[tee_eff_em]

Yes it is. That’s why violet vestments are worn, there is no Gloria, the Church used to even require fasting during this time. It’s not as pennitential as Lent, but it is still a penitential season.

According to Canon 1250, it is exactly as penitential as Ordinary Time. :ehh:

tee
Still Not A Canon Lawyer