The meaning of Penance in the catholic encyclopedia.
“Penance is a sacrament of the New Law instituted by Christ in which forgiveness of sins committed after baptism is granted through the priest’s absolution to those who with true sorrow confess their sins and promise to satisfy for the same. It is called a “sacrament” not simply a function or ceremony, because it is an outward sign instituted by Christ to impart grace to the soul.”
as written in Wikipedia.
“A sacrament is a sacred rite recognized as of particular importance and significance. There are various views on the existence and meaning of such rites.”
Nsala Malongo Everyone,
I remember when the idea of cutting people to me into the religion was more of a lets see who can tolerate the most. Who held up longer, who got hit more, who dealt with what at the moment. Understanding ritual complexities in every rama, one thing was for certain that everyone passes through penance. But to me this idea of penance is non-existent, since a rite of passage versus penance have nothing in common. A lot of times I would here when you are in (penitencia) spanish word for penance this is so you can contemplate your sins. I always asked myself what sin? If what is a rite of passage is a time for celebration and not fear. A time to understand that these steps as we go forward are to bridge our connection with one and the universe. A time to give praise to those ancestral spirits and all spirits within the depths of Palo Mayombe. So my view and understanding of Penance reworded with Rite.
It is a material rite to move forward in this world to bound that tie that knot with the spiritual and so changing the wording does not change the framework of what we do as priests or priestess alike. We bring a more focused initiate through the door more willing and hungry to understand what we hold as a rite of passage. Now rites of passage involve the agitation of spirit, But a full abusive beat down in my view is not a spiritual act but more so an act of abuse. Our rite as priests and or priestess is to offer a rite of passage. But some people take it to super extremes. But as in every house as a guest if one is not in agreement. One can be pro active and speak up and not allow it. Or we can do as the roman’s do but i don’t apply to that train of thought. So I would personally excuse myself from the ceremony as to not cause a raucous.
Understanding ritual rites is one measure of becoming spiritually whole. When all is said and done we must look to our ritual practices and understand the meaning behind the ritual scars and the ritual movements behind the hits. But we are not uncivilized savages who for the mere entertainment of others we are beating people half to death. People must stand for something or follow like sheep to the slaughter. Open your eyes and watch out for people who are beating and torturing people half to death. It’s a time for ritual and celebration and not a trip to the emergency room.
Tata Musitu…