The ‘Frankish’ penitentials
R. C. Pierce
The penitentials in use the frankish lands eighth and ninth centuries were designed as handbooks to aid priest administration of private or secret penance, being at their most simple, tabulations various misdemeanours associated with particular vices stipulating penances be performed. In early Christian church however, penance seems have been performed public, involving both confession an act contrition before assembled congregation. It was, moreover, then undergone only cases severe crimes, usually one three capital sins homicide, perjury adultery. ritual is described fully by Basil Great, from whom we also learn that physical laying on hands bishop was outward sign reconciliation. This form gradually mitigated its rarity lessened it became increasingly more common practice death-bed well lenten period fasting contrition, which practices are particularly evident Gaul fifth sixth centuries. Both and, case absence bishop, priest, now empowered reconcile penitent.
Studies in Church History