Author Topic: where to buy instrument of penance (Read 5257 times)

Änσnymσus · « **on:** October 25, 2013, 04:31:08 PM »

Does anybody know where to buy an instrument of penance like a cilice or hairshirt? I don't know where to look online. Thank you.

Änσnymσus · « **Reply #1 on:** October 25, 2013, 04:35:58 PM »

Links don't work for me in this forum so I cannot give you a link. But if you google "hairshirt" a link comes up on the first page that says "Buy Hairshirt - Buy Cilice". You can buy the items you are looking for there.

Matthew · « **Reply #2 on:** October 25, 2013, 04:46:17 PM »

My only advice would be to make sure that your regular confessor/spiritual director is aware of your intentions.

He knows what to look for, what pitfalls to avoid, etc. on the road to heaven, whither he intends to lead you.

Hobbledehoy · « **Reply #3 on:** October 25, 2013, 06:31:44 PM »

Quote from: Guest

Does anybody know where to buy an instrument of penance like a cilice or hairshirt? I don't know where to look online. Thank you.

I found something that might be useful for those considering imitating the now-[sadly]-extraordinary penances of the Saints:

Questionnaire:

1) When my day does not go as I had expected, do I get frustrated, angry or excessively sad?

2) When someone says or writes something bad about me, do I get angry? Do I eagerly jump to defend myself and smear the person in question?

3) When a small accident happens (stubbed toe, hang-nail, rock sheet in your cereal), do I get angry or sad? Do I ever curse, even out of instinct, in these situations?

4) When I am obligated to go out of my way for someone, do I complain and murmur?

5) When the day is done, do I readily seek after comfort and rest even if my duties would have me delay such things? Do I get angry or sad when this satisfaction is delayed?

6) Have I done mental prayer, spiritual reading, self-examination, on a daily basis?

If the answer to the above questions was in the negative, then it would not be prudent to acquire the venerable instruments of penance that our forefathers used. Learn how to abandon yourself to the Will of God and conform to It in all things. Cultivate the habit of praying constantly, especially when a trial or unexpected setback occurs. Always make room for enough mental prayer and self-examination, and don't ever neglect the Holy Rosary.

If you cannot bear the penances the life offers you in the smallest of details, then it is not a good idea to self-flagellate or don the cilice because it could lead to spiritual delusion, interior vanity and spiritual pride.

God in His mercy will give you enough crosses that will super-exceed the discipline, and He will prepare you to be ready for more if you desire for progress in the interior life. The discipline and the cilice are rewards for those who do exactly as St. Louis-Marie de Montfort taught in his famous Circular Letter to the Friends of the Cross - which is a spiritual gem you ought to read in the spirit of recollection and docility, and meditate thereupon often.

Sigismund · « **Reply #4 on:** October 25, 2013, 09:23:31 PM »

Excellent advice, Hobble!

Matthew · « **Reply #5 on:** October 25, 2013, 09:44:49 PM »

Quote from: Hobbledehoy

Quote from: Guest
Does anybody know where to buy an instrument of penance like a cilice or hairshirt? I don't know where to look online. Thank you.

I found something that might be useful for those considering imitating the now-[sadly]-extraordinary penances of the Saints:

Questionnaire:

1) When my day does not go as I had expected, do I get frustrated, angry or excessively sad?

2) When someone says or writes something bad about me, do I get angry? Do I eagerly jump to defend myself and smear the person in question?

3) When a small accident happens (stubbed toe, hang-nail, rock sheet in your cereal), do I get angry or sad? Do I ever curse, even out of instinct, in these situations?

4) When I am obligated to go out of my way for someone, do I complain and murmur?

5) When the day is done, do I readily seek after comfort and rest even if my duties would have me delay such things? Do I get angry or sad when this satisfaction is delayed?

6) Have I done mental prayer, spiritual reading, self-examination, on a daily basis?

If the answer to the above questions was in the negative, then it would not be prudent to acquire the venerable instruments of penance that our forefathers used. Learn how to abandon yourself to the Will of God and conform to It in all things. Cultivate the habit of praying constantly, especially when a trial or unexpected setback occurs. Always make room for enough mental prayer and self-examination, and don't ever neglect the Holy Rosary.

If you cannot bear the penances the life offers you in the smallest of details, then it is not a good idea to self-flagellate or don the cilice because it could lead to spiritual delusion, interior vanity and spiritual pride.

God in His mercy will give you enough crosses that will super-exceed the discipline, and He will prepare you to be ready for more if you desire for progress in the interior life. The discipline and the cilice are rewards for those who do exactly as St. Louis-Marie de Montfort taught in his famous Circular Letter to the Friends of the Cross - which is a spiritual gem you ought to read in the spirit of recollection and docility, and meditate thereupon often.

Very well said.

That's what I was taught as well -- the daily penances of life are not as much to brag about, but they're the penances God's holy Providence has hand-picked for each of us. And it's foolish to try and go over-and-above if you can't even do the basics well.

Änσnymσus · « **Reply #6 on:** October 25, 2013, 11:23:07 PM »

I think that very(and I mean VERY) light flogging with a belt can be beneficial if one is strongly tempted to impurity, just to bring the body back to its senses. But serious flagellation and hairshirts are very, very serious, and can cause injury to health. So, at the very least, consult a good and holy priest before you consider doing this. I also like what was said above by the other posters. As Our Lady of Fatima said, the penance Our Lord seeks is that we do our daily duty.

Änσnymσus · « **Reply #7 on:** October 25, 2013, 11:43:06 PM »

Why not make them yourself?

You can buy sackcloth easily enough, and bamboo canes you can find too, gather the raw materials and put together what will suit.

Bamboo or similar canes are harmless and painful enough to wake you up.

But remember the need to mortify the will and pray from the heart as well.

Änσnymσus · « **Reply #8 on:** October 27, 2013, 12:48:22 PM »

You want to know what a true "instrument of penance" is?

Having a family member learning to play the bagpipes :jumping2:

Author Topic: where to buy instrument of penance (Read 5257 times)

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