Three Parts Of Penance

De Tribus quae sunt in poenitentia Tria sunt in poenitentia: dolor praeteriti, custodia futuri, satisfactio deliciti. Ne poenitens in futuro damnetur, facit custodia futuri. Ne puniatur, facit satisfactio delicti. Si ergo securus vis esse, cave futura, corrige praeterita,. Dolor culpam placat; satisfactio vitium sanat; custodia sanitatem servat. In his custodia futuri primum locum tenet, dolor praeteriti secundum, novissimum satisfactio delicti. Quae prima tantum proficit quantum caetera duo efficiunt. Ideo Salvator solam hanc, id est, custodiam futuri, quasi praecipuam et in qua omnis poenitentiae fructus consistat sibi confitentibus injunxit: Vade et amplius noli peccare: et Vade in pace. Et iterum: Vide ne quid tibi deteris contingat. Haec tria sic pensanda sunt, ut sit dolor plenus, custodia perfecta, satisfactio condigna. Hugo De Sancte Victore, Miscellanea, Liber I, Tit CVI Source: Migne PL 177.535

On The Three Parts of Penance There are three parts of penance. Sorrow for the past, care for the future, satisfaction of wrong. Lest the penitent be damned in the future, he has care for the future. Lest he be punished, he makes satisfaction for wrong. If therefore you wish to be secure, look to the future, correct the past. Sorrow relieves guilt, satisfaction heals fault, care guards health. Among these care for the future holds first place, and sorrow for the past comes second, and last place is given to satisfaction of wrong. And that which is first is only so advanced as much as it is of assistance to the other two. Therefore the Saviour enjoins on those who confess that this alone, that is, care for the future, is essential, and that it is in this that the fruit of penance is established: 'Go and do not sin anymore.' 1 And:'Go in peace.' 2 And again: 'Take care that nothing worse befalls you.' 3 So these three must be considered, that there be full sorrow, perfect care, and fitting satisfaction. Hugh Of Saint Victor, Miscellanea, Book 1, Chapter 106 1 Jn 8.11 2 Mk 5.34 3 Jn 5.14