Originally posted by daily monk:
It is interesting that each year during Lent, one million whips used for self-flagellation are sold in Spain, and three million hair-shirts are sold.
We may actually use these, as long as we do not cut the skin, as Mother Church teaches . . .
Dear Monk
Yes it is interesting - but and it is a
BIG but - in Spain there is a tradition of Penitential Prcocessions during the season of Lent - penitents are seen in hooded Robes .
A very different thing from one's daily practice. As Gaudior has said elsewhere - if you attend the Services in your own Church as much as is possible, spend time in prayer and Fasting as prescribed for your Church , and actually give alms as we should, then any other further forms of ascesis should be done with permission from your Spiritual Father/Director.
I speak here as an RC with a non-believeing husband - it is very hard at times to do what I would wish to do without it having an impact on my married life.
I do now follow the pattern of Fasting used in the Eastern Churches - it is not easy for me - it is a struggle as I really end up by cooking 2 separate menus - but I try my hardest to satisfy the fast .You have ,I believe , mentioned elsewhere that you are married - it would be wrong to do anything which may lead up to the destruction of that marriage.
I hope you do not feel I am harsh - I sympathise with your desire to undertake preparation for Easter/Pascha - but it should/
must be done with guidance
Anhelyna
