A remission of temporal punishment due to sins that have been forgiven is known as a particular type of remission. This remission, applicable before God, occurs when a contrite individual, under specific conditions, performs prescribed acts of devotion or charity. The effect is to cleanse the individual of the remaining consequences of sin after sacramental absolution. An illustrative case involves performing a specific pilgrimage and fulfilling certain sacramental requirements.
The significance of this practice lies in its potential to aid spiritual purification and accelerate the soul’s readiness for eternal life. Historically, its origins trace back to early Christian practices of penance and the commutation of canonical penalties. Over time, it evolved into a structured system within the Church, reflecting theological understandings of sin, forgiveness, and the communion of saints. This practice offers a way to address the lingering effects of wrongdoing that persist even after the guilt is removed.
