Why not introduce yourself?

[disciple012005]

Welcome Marietherese, to this group. Corporal mortification using such instruments as sold here is not for everyone. You need to take advice from a Spiritual Director before undertaking it in any form not withstanding what some contributors to this site might say.
Fasting over and above that normally required by Church regulation is the usually acceptable form of mortification undertaken these days. But that is not to say that other forms may be used by some.
From what I have seen about the Confraternity of Penitents their rule is based upon fasting and minimising food intake,living the simple life in terms of doing without luxuries and regular prayer and receipt of the Sacrements.
There is no mention of any other forms of mortification on their website but that is not to say that it does not exist for some.
God bless you, Ian

[marietherese]

Thank you, disciple. I'm just learning about it right now. I wouldn't dare make a move without the advice of a director. I am looking right now but it's kind of slim pickings where I live.

[disciple012005]

Thank you for your reply,Marietherese. I'm sure in this day and age you will find it difficult to find a SD who is prepared to approve any form of corporeal penance than fasting, particularly in western countries. Almost certainly parish priests will be reluctant. But if there are any "old Rule" Convents or monasteries within your area you might be lucky.
Until you know more about the Confraternity of Penitents, you should just limit yourself to fasting and prayer. There is nothing to stop you setting yourself quite a strict fasting regime if your health is up to it.
If you would like some help on this please PM me.
God bless, Ian (disciple012005)

[GeorgeCP]

Greetings from Iraq. Merry Christmas!

I am an American soldier currently deployed in Iraq. I believe that I am ready to begin physical penance for my sins. Unfortunately, I have to be very, very careful about mortification practices while I'm out here because "self harm" is a quick ticket to the psychiatrist's office. Can anyone offer me guidance on discreet practices? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Your brother in Christ, George

[Pia]

Welcome, George.
It is difficult in your situation I am sure, but there are things you could try, such as putting gravel/small stones in your boots, kneeling on similar to pray, mortifying your appetite by eating what you dislike and refusing treats.
I admire you for wishing to pursue penance whilst already living a life of mortification and danger.
God bless you in your endeavours,
Pia
<><

[BlueMarco]

Hi!
This is a quick introduction of me. Age 30, Male..
umm.. I have been studying my faith for many years, seen the world at least 6 times. Been in the military. Seen things and sadly done things that I feel were wrong, but the priest has forgiven... But I guess that feeling is still there... At night I cry to myself, pray alot, read the Bible, go to confession... But it doesn't feel like a ounce of my sin has been lifted.. Been fasting, volunteering, been even talking to the VA and my past unit priest.. I promise myself that I'll do the extra mile for this coming new year.. I ordered a Cilice from the site, not much to select from ( Seems like a popular item) .

Sincerely,

B.Marco

[Pia]

Welcome, BlueMarco...

At night I cry to myself, pray alot, read the Bible, go to confession... But it doesn't feel like a ounce of my sin has been lifted..

It is not good to judge these things by feelings If you have been absolved, have faith, your sin has been forgiven
Pia
<><

[FatherAndrew]

Hello all.

I am Andrew, a Catholic priest from the United States. Though I am not a Franciscan, I have always felt a strong spiritual connection to St. Francis of Assisi, culminating in my conversion to the Catholic faith at the age of 16. I knelt before a San Damiano crucifix, the cross known in Italian as "Il Crocifisso che parlò a San Francesco;" according to tradition, St. Francis was kneeling (or prostrating) before the cross when the image of Christ told him to rebuild the Church he was in, which was falling into ruin. This moment was pivotal in Francis' conversion to a life of faithful service.

At the age of 16, the image of Christ spoke to me, as well, through this cross. Though it wasn't something I could hear audibly, I had this sense of understanding within me, as if a voice inside myself had set my mind free of the world. I left that Church knowing I had to become a priest.

I've always admired those who have received the wounds of Our Lord; they are fortunate to have been given this gift from God. They have a rare opportunity to share in the pains of Our Lord's Passion, and to experience inasmuch as they can, His Most Holy Sacrifice. I believe that acquainting ourselves with like pains, and providing for our eyes graphic images of the Lord's suffering, can completely reshape our concept of the Passion and deepen our faith in Christ, His Sacrifice, and both His Eucharistic and Spiritual Presence on earth.

In comparison to the suffering endured by Our Lord, penance is merely a gentle reminder that our hope of salvation rests in something much greater than ourselves, that this act of salvation is something so great that only God can make it happen, and that the pains we feel through this penance are only a fragment of the pains endured by Our Lord during his Passion, and those endured by God to this day every time we fall into sin.

I have read many of the posts on this site and found the ideas presented by many of the users quite inspiring. I want to thank the administration for making available such a wonderful site and say that I am happy to be a part of it. May God bless and keep all of you.

InXC,

Andrew

[andyl]

Hi Father Andrew,
We share the same name and I also live in the United States (Missouri). I feel a lot like you do about doing physical penance and sharing in a small way the pains that Jesus endured. It is difficult to find priests (or lay people for that matter) that feel that way where I live. I would like to hear more about your dedication to penance if you have time. Thank you.
Andy

[frjustin23]

Hi Everyone,
I just turned 18 and can now participate fully in this forum. I am a very devout Catholic and believe strongly in the "old ways" of doing severe penance for my sins and to make me grow in my spiritual life. I look forward to reading what all of you have to say and would like to hear from any of you that have any advice for a new guy. Thank you very much.
Justin