Two clear tendencies are apparent, one inclining to a more merciful treatment of the penitent, the other uncompromisingly harsh, so much so as to declare the reconciliation of the apostate, murderer, or the adulterer to be beyond the authority of the Church—God might pardon them, but not the Church.
The sterner attitude evolved at a time when renewed persecutions might break out at any time. There was considerable difference of opinion as to the treatment to be applied to and of the three “capital” sins—apostacy, murder, and adultery or fornication.
The Weepers, the Hearers, the Kneelers, and the Standers
The Council of Nicea (325) settled the question on reconciliation after serious sin. Canon 11 of the Council stated:
“Concerning those who have transgressed without necessity or the confiscation of property or without danger or anything of this nature, as happened under the tyranny of Licinius, this holy synod decrees that, though they do not deserve leniency, nevertheless they should be treated mercifully. Those therefore among the faithful who genuinely repent shall spend three years among the hearers. for seven years shall be prostrators, and for two years they shall take part with the people in the prayers, though not in the offering.”[i]
By the time of the Council of Nicea, preparation for those seeking admission to the Church (catechumens) underwent prolonged preparatory periods of instruction to ensure their interest in the Church was sincere. If they happened to lapse back into serious sin, the penances were punitive.
Generally, there were four classes of penitents:
- The “weepers,” people who had committed grave sins were required to spend years outside the church in sack-cloth and ashes, every Sunday, forbidden to enter and begging the faithful to pray for them.
- The “hearers,” people who had either committed lesser sins or who had already spent years as weepers, who were confined to the vestibule and forced to leave Mass with the catechumens after the Mass of the Catechumens (the Liturgy of the Word in the Novus Ordo) were over. People often spent years as hearers for a single grievous sin!
- The “kneelers,” who also may have spent time as weepers and/or hearers. These were allowed in the nave but had to kneel throughout the Mass of the catechumens while the other faithful stood. Some had to prostrate themselves for the duration.
- The “standers,” who stood with the faithful, and could remain throughout Mass, but could not receive the Blessed Sacrament.
[i] Translation from Norman P. Tanner, S.J., “Decrees of the Ecumenical Councils, Vol, 1, Sheed and Ward and Georgetown University Press, 1990, p. 12.