In theCatholic Church, imposing alife of prayer and penance is a type of penalty used to punish clergy for crimes and misconduct. It is typically imposed on elderly priests as opposed to younger priests, who may face harsher penalties.[1]
It is similar tohouse arrest and while implementation of the penalty may vary, it usually includes banning the person from public ministry and limiting his interactions with others.[2] It may also involve restricting or altogether denying access to telephones or televisions.[1]
For example, in theArchdiocese of Philadelphia,CardinalJustin Rigali established a program for clergy sentenced to lifetime of prayer and penance that prohibits them from celebratingMass publicly, administering the sacraments, wearingclerical garb, or presenting themselves as priests; and they are monitored full-time by a formerprobation officer.[3] Violations of the restrictions may result in full dismissal from the clerical status.[1] According to canonistFr. Damián Astigueta, the majority of priests who agree to abide by the life of prayer and penance "want to be helped and recognize that this penalty is a table of salvation for them."[1]
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