penitential

Penitential is an adjective describing something related to penitence or penance. It derives from Medieval Latin paenitentialis, from paenitentia 'repentance', and entered English in the early modern period. In religious contexts, penitential describes acts, rites, or seasons oriented toward repentance for sin. Penitential practices may include confession, fasting, prayer, almsgiving, or other acts of contrition; penitential theology emphasizes remorse, amendment of life, and reconciliation with the divine and with the community.

In liturgy, penitential elements are common across Christian traditions. The Catholic Mass includes a Penitential Act or Confiteor at the start, acknowledging sins and seeking mercy; Anglican and some Lutheran rites likewise feature penitential prayers, confessions, and absolution within eucharistic celebrations. Penitential seasons, such as Lent in Western Christianity, emphasize self-examination and reorientation of life, often accompanied by fasting and increased prayer.

In music and literature, 'penitential' can describe a somber, remorseful tone or hymns of contrition. Penitential theology has historically been linked with ideas of penance as a process of purification and moral renewal rather than punishment alone.

See also: penance, repentance, penitence, penitentiary. References to Latin and liturgical sources include paenitentialis and various prayer books, such as the Roman Missal and Anglican liturgies. Note that 'penitential' is not the same as 'penitentiary', though both share the same root.