3. Penance

Penance is the Sacrament in which a Christian receives, through the mediation
of the priest, forgiveness of sins on repenting and confessing them to the priest.

The doctrine of penance is based upon the command of our Lord who breathed
upon the face of His disciples and told them to receive the Holy Ghost; whose
soever sins they remitted, they would be remitted (John 20:21-23). Again He
told His Disciples that whatsoever they should loose on earth should be loosed
in heaven (Matt. 18:18).

In the Mass, absolution is given twice. Auricular Confession is the rule of the
Church, confession being made only to a priest. The Lenten Fast (Fast of Hudade)
and particularly Good Friday are appointed as special days for Confession.
Confession is a requisite for the Sacrament of Unction. Absolution includes a blow
over the shoulder administered with a branch of Woira tree as a sign that the penitent
has been delivered from sin and Satan. When the faithful fall into sin, they confess
what they have committed, whether great or small, and the priest gives them penance
according to the number and gravity of the offences. The penance may be in the
form of fasting, prayer, alms or prostrations. 2 Chron. 7:14, Matt. 7:7, 9:13, Ps. 20:2,9.
This is a punishment for the sins; sins are not cancelled by this, true repentance is shown
when the sinner restores what he stole, forgives him who has injured him, asks pardon
in humility of the man whom he has harmed, forsakes his accustomed sin, keeps away
from all evil and returns with the whole heart to the Lord who is merciful and will cleanse
him from sins. There is no forgiveness without true repentance by showing real sorrow,
and resolve not to repeat the evil. Every family has a Soul-father, Confessor or
"Ye-nefs Abbat" who enjoys a confidential status. It frequently happens that the wills are
deposited with him. The seal of confession is the obligation of secrecy imposed upon
the priest with regard to every thing revealed to him in confession. It is absolute,
with no exception.