Changes

'''Penance''' has three related, but distinct, meanings:

'''Penance''' has three related, but distinct, meanings:

* the confession of [[sin]]s to a [[clergyman]] in order to receive [[absolution]].

* the [[confession]] of [[sin]]s to a [[clergyman]] in order to receive [[absolution]].

* the [[punishment]] by which one atones for sins committed by himself or others.

* the [[punishment]] by which one atones for sins committed by himself or others.

* the private personal repentence to [[God]] of one's own sins.

* the private personal repentence to [[God]] of one's own sins.

[[category:religion]]

[[category:religion]]