Where/ How Can I Obtain a "Hair Shirt?"

[Belshazzar]

I intend to do some serious prayer, fasting, and penance this coming year of 2016, not just because I feel the end times are near, or the dismal presidential election before us, rather it’s something I feel called to. I have been thinking of undertaking certain bodily mortifications and hair shirts came to mind after hearing a sermon about John the Baptist just the other day. But I still have a few questions and concerns…

1). Where would I find one? and 2). would I have to wear it continuously, or just during prayer? and 3). how would I care for it? Toss it in with my regular laundry? Drip- dry? (Ew!) By the way, this is something I’m absolutely serious about and not something I’m gonna show off to my friends or even let anybody know about it should I obtain one. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[bemily]

You can find a hair shirt here: cilice.co.uk/

 

[Angela77]

You may also want to discuss this with a spiritual director (or maybe you already have one).

 

[Exiled_Child]

If you have cats, you could begin brushing them every day and saving the hair. With this you will need to make yarn, and from there you can knit yourself a nice sweater, both stylish and affordable. Unforthunately, unless you have a lot of cats, this project may take a while to complete.

 

[MaryT777]

You may also want to discuss this with a spiritual director (or maybe you already have one).

I agree when it comes to bodily mortifications discussing your plans with a SD or priest before you begin may be a good plan.

Mary.

 

[Nelka]

Take your dog to the beach, let him run around and roll around so he gets covered in sand, take him home and let him lay on your bed sheets.

Believe me this is a nightmare, get someone to eat a lot of dry biscuits dropping the crumbs in bed and good luck.

 

[MaryHelp777]

I intend to do some serious prayer, fasting, and penance this coming year of 2016, not just because I feel the end times are near, or the dismal presidential election before us, rather it’s something I feel called to. I have been thinking of undertaking certain bodily mortifications and hair shirts came to mind after hearing a sermon about John the Baptist just the other day. But I still have a few questions and concerns…

1). Where would I find one? and 2). would I have to wear it continuously, or just during prayer? and 3). how would I care for it? Toss it in with my regular laundry? Drip- dry? (Ew!) By the way, this is something I’m absolutely serious about and not something I’m gonna show off to my friends or even let anybody know about it should I obtain one. Any help would be appreciated.

Penance can never be taken on board without permission of a priest who is your spiritual director.

Reason being: it may not be God’s plan you do so, and God may know that for you personally that fasting would put you into hospital.and damage your health.

God will tell you through a spiritual director.

 

[St_Francis]

Penance can never be taken on board without permission of a priest who is your spiritual director.

Reason being: it may not be God’s plan you do so, and God may know that for you personally that fasting would put you into hospital.and damage your health.

God will tell you through a spiritual director.

Small penances like not eating chocolate may be undertaken by those not under a spiritual director, but large ones like using a discipline may be done only under the supervision and permission of a SD.

Where would a hair shirt fall on that spectrum? I lean towards it’s being OK on one’s own–it causes only discomfort and not harm. But as is true with all forms of penance and mortification, one must be careful not to fall into pride.

 

[7_Sorrows]

do people actually buy this stuff?!!! I thought you only saw those in movies like the DaVinci Code. :ehh:

 

[Dorothy]

Penance can never be taken on board without permission of a priest who is your spiritual director.

Reason being: it may not be God’s plan you do so, and God may know that for you personally that fasting would put you into hospital.and damage your health.

God will tell you through a spiritual director.

Mary and Angela are correct. We should never be our own spiritual director in matters of such severe penance. If necessary get the advice of several priests, those noted for their exceptional holiness.

Belshazzar, I commend you for the desire to do more spiritually for the Lord in these obviously very troubled times! We are the Body of Christ and need to become “brighter” so as to cause the darkness to recede.

 

[tawny]

Penance can never be taken on board without permission of a priest who is your spiritual director.

Reason being: it may not be God’s plan you do so, and God may know that for you personally that fasting would put you into hospital.and damage your health.

God will tell you through a spiritual director.

Correct.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

St Theresa the Little Flower did not advise of doing corporal mortification.

She said, that there are enough thorns in everyday life to offer up as penance, without having to inflict bodily pain.

In fact, do corporal mortification is often driven by ego, rather than holiness.

Jim

 

[Bonnie]

She said, that there are enough thorns in everyday life to offer up as penance, without having to inflict bodily pain.

I realized the truth of this years ago working in an office. It was hard to avoid gossip & I fell into participating in it. When I was convicted of what I was doing, withdrawing from the gossip was indeed a difficult penance!

I have since learned that simple obedience & acceptance (which is very hard for me) is sufficient penance.

 

[Jennifoo]

St Theresa the Little Flower did not advise of doing corporal mortification.

She said, that there are enough thorns in everyday life to offer up as penance, without having to inflict bodily pain.

In fact, do corporal mortification is often driven by ego, rather than holiness.

Jim

Yes you’re correct. But this is the opinion of one Saint, not a commandment. The Carmelite nuns, including St. Therese did bodily mortifications and lots of fasting.

OP: if you feel called to do this type of penance, God bless you. Several years ago I purchased a discipline from the referenced company and it was really good for my spiritual life. ( I need to take it up again.) I did not consult a spiritual director or clergy about it as I didn’t see the need. I used it in moderation, and really felt a connection to the Church Suffering. The only advice I would give would be to be mindful of how it affects your spiritual life- if you find it leading you into spiritual pride then stop it and take it up again later. Frequent prayers to the Holy Spirit are always helpful.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Yes you’re correct. But this is the opinion of one Saint, not a commandment. The Carmelite nuns, including St. Therese did bodily mortifications and lots of fasting.

OP: if you feel called to do this type of penance, God bless you. Several years ago I purchased a discipline from the referenced company and it was really good for my spiritual life. ( I need to take it up again.) I did not consult a spiritual director or clergy about it as I didn’t see the need. I used it in moderation, and really felt a connection to the Church Suffering. The only advice I would give would be to be mindful of how it affects your spiritual life- if you find it leading you into spiritual pride then stop it and take it up again later. Frequent prayers to the Holy Spirit are always helpful.

Some did some did not, and I’m not sure St Teresa of Avila did, but remember, that was back in the 1500’s where the Church was just coming out of the dark ages.

My wife and myself are both professed 3rd Order Discalced Carmelites, Secular, OCDS, and its discouraged to do physical mortification’s, which cause pain your body.

Detachment from the ego driven agenda’s is necessary to move towards humility and this is rarely accomplished by corporal mortification.

Many people who practiced these forms of mortification became rigid and intolerant.

St Bernadette’s novice master was such, and it was believed the nun was mentally unstable.

Jim

 

[fred_conty]

I intend to do some serious prayer, fasting, and penance this coming year of 2016, not just because I feel the end times are near, or the dismal presidential election before us, rather it’s something I feel called to. I have been thinking of undertaking certain bodily mortifications and hair shirts came to mind after hearing a sermon about John the Baptist just the other day. But I still have a few questions and concerns…

1). Where would I find one? and 2). would I have to wear it continuously, or just during prayer? and 3). how would I care for it? Toss it in with my regular laundry? Drip- dry? (Ew!) By the way, this is something I’m absolutely serious about and not something I’m gonna show off to my friends or even let anybody know about it should I obtain one. Any help would be appreciated.

I can give you an easy way to obtain a hair shirt.

I noticed after I get a hair cut how some of the hair gets into the neck line of my shirt and really is irritating. So just get some hair clippings and sprinkle them liberally inside a shirt and then wear it. If that wouldn’t be a penance I don’t know what would.

 

[Nelka]

I can give you an easy way to obtain a hair shirt.

I noticed after I get a hair cut how some of the hair gets into the neck line of my shirt and really is irritating. So just get some hair clippings and sprinkle them liberally inside a shirt and then wear it. If that wouldn’t be a penance I don’t know what would.

 

[guanophore]

I intend to do some serious prayer, fasting, and penance this coming year of 2016, not just because I feel the end times are near, or the dismal presidential election before us, rather it’s something I feel called to. I have been thinking of undertaking certain bodily mortifications and hair shirts came to mind after hearing a sermon about John the Baptist just the other day. But I still have a few questions and concerns…

1). Where would I find one? and 2). would I have to wear it continuously, or just during prayer? and 3). how would I care for it? Toss it in with my regular laundry? Drip- dry? (Ew!) By the way, this is something I’m absolutely serious about and not something I’m gonna show off to my friends or even let anybody know about it should I obtain one. Any help would be appreciated.

God has graciously provided all of us with at least one hair shirt, and sometimes several. That is the person you find most frustrating and annoying. Consecrate yourself to loving and giving to the one who bugs you the most.

 

[guanophore]

Take your dog to the beach, let him run around and roll around so he gets covered in sand, take him home and let him lay on your bed sheets.

Believe me this is a nightmare, get someone to eat a lot of dry biscuits dropping the crumbs in bed and good luck.

Sounds like you are speaking from experience.

St Theresa the Little Flower did not advise of doing corporal mortification.

She said, that there are enough thorns in everyday life to offer up as penance, without having to inflict bodily pain.

In fact, do corporal mortification is often driven by ego, rather than holiness.

Jim

Certainly serving the poor and needy will often result in corporeal mortification, as well as emotional. It is hard work and has much more advantage as a penance than inflicting pain on oneself. It has the added benefit of helping those in whom we may see the face of Christ, as well as setting aside our fleshly pleasures.

 

[Maddie26]

In monasteries, nuns write a letter at the start of Lent to their superior asking permission to perform three penances during that season. My Novice Mistress used to refuse permission to do extra fasting since it often made for a cranky, self-righteous nun. Most nuns are forbidden to perform the old mortifications since they easily lead to Pride. Mother Mistress advised us to take on penances that would grow charity and prayerfulness and obedience in the community. These are far more penitential than wearing a hair shirt. Being kind and gracious when someone is being mean to you, arrogant or just plain stupid is a great penance. During Lent each nun also received a book to read on theology, usually carefully chosen and she made an intense study of it during that season. The books were always ones that challenged us on both spiritual and intellectual levels. And don’t forget that Jesus commanded us to love one another and serve one another many times, while I can only think of one single instance where he mentioned any kind of penance and that was fasting. Remember that John the Baptist also rebuked the King for his sinful life. Proclaiming the gospel when it’s scary is also a great penance.

I don’t mean to say that corporal mortification is a bad thing. I’m just saying that it’s the garnish, not the meal and proceed with prayerful caution and the advice of a spiritual director who already knows you.