St. Dominic associated the nuns with his “holy preaching” by their prayer and penance (LCM 1. I). Penance is our sharing in the redeeming cross of Jesus. We consider ourselves truly his members when we spend ourselves totally for souls (LCM 1.II). We bear the death of Christ in body and soul so that we might merit the glory of the resurrection for ourselves and for others (LCM 61.I). We are sinners who are ceaselessly rediscovering the greatness of God’s infinite love and mercy. Works of penance assist us in the struggle against sin, express our heart’s sorrow, and strengthen our desire for forgiveness and peace. This process of interior conversion and compunction urges expression in visible signs such as fasting, abstinence most days, simple furnishings, and other private works of mortification. Penance, which is apostolic in its source, bears apostolic fruit in our lives and so prepares the way for the salvation of others.
