Public penance was a rite that could only occur once in a lifetime and placed many restrictions on the penitent. A penitent who had undertaken public penance could not marry after the penance, or engage in sexual relations if he or she was already married. A penitent who had undertaken public penance was also ineligible for military service or clerical service. Clerics were also barred from assuming public penance.

If you do not wish to undertake public penance, please exit here.