Hey there,
There is so much we work on as Catholics to try to ensure our salvation. Prayer, attending Mass, Reconciliation, good deeds, and trying to keep the Commandments.
We have the lives of the Saints we can model, the teachings in Scripture, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
But one often overlooked and rarely discussed subject is reparation.
Merriam-Webster defines reparation as:
1: a repairing or keeping in repair
2a: : the act of making amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfaction for a wrong or injury
b: something done or given as amends or satisfaction
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that even after confessing our sins, we still need to repair the harm we inflicted on others:
Many sins wrong our neighbor. One must do what is possible in order to repair the harm (e.g., return stolen goods, restore the reputation of someone slandered, pay compensation for injuries). Simple justice requires as much. (CCC 1459)
In this week’s issue of Genuflect we examine Reparation … what it is, why it’s important for salvation, how to perform acts of reparation, why make reparation, and numerous ways to perform acts of reparation, including prayer, fasting, penance, and Mary’s special five Saturdays devotion.
What makes reparation even more important is not only will it help with our own salvation, but we also are called to perform acts of reparation for the sins of the world. So it’s high time we talk about it.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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What is Reparation?
“Reparation comes from the Latin reparare, meaning to make ready again.” Nicholas Senz provides this overview of how it works and what we can do when faced with evil in the world.
What is Reparation? And Why is it my Best Response to Evil? | Aleteia
Making Reparation
A lot has changed in the Catholic Church over the past 40-50 years. This article touches on a number of them, but its main focus is the need for us all to make reparation. Here’s what you need to know to do your part … for yourself and for others.
Making Reparations: Tradition of a So-Called Bygone Era Needs to Come Back | Catholic Stand
Reparation For Others’ Sins
Making reparation for our sins makes sense. But are we really supposed to make reparation for others? The short answer is yes. Here’s why … and who asked us to do it.
Why Should we Make Reparation And do Penance For Someone Else’s Sin? | Aleteia
Why Make Reparation
In understanding reparation, it’s natural to wonder why it’s important to practice reparation. Susan Skinner breaks it down for us and explains how we can use our suffering in prayer for others.
The True Path of Reparation | Catholic Stand
Prayers of Reparation
One way to make reparation is through prayer. But how do you do this? Father Ed Broom has just the formula to follow to pray to beg pardon and make reparation for your sins and those of The Universal Church.
Enrich Your Prayer Life With Prayers of Reparation | Catholic Exchange
4 Types of Penance
Another way to make reparation is with penance. But did you know there are four major types of penance that we can perform for past and future sins? Here is a brief explanation you’ll want to check out.
The Four Types of Penance | The Fatima Center
10 Saints on Fasting
Fasting is yet another way to make reparation. We don’t fast as much these days other than during Lent. But it is a spiritual tool available to us. Here are 10 quotes from Saints on the importance of fasting.
Secrets of The Saints: The Forgotten Spiritual Power of Fasting | ChurchPOP
Acts of Reparation Ideas
If you need some ideas for how to make reparation, check this out. Here’s a list of 20 ideas for acts of reparation. So you can mix it up a bit.
Ideas For Acts of Reparation | Church of St. Anthony of Padua
Five First Saturdays of Reparation
This devotion of reparation was given to Saint Lucia on December 10, 1925 in Fatima by the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Mother promises to help those who perform these three acts with salvation at their hour of death.
Five First Saturdays – Blessed Virgin Mary | The Work of God Apostolate
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