I wore my cilice for two hours yesterday, and found it a very effective penance. No matter how I sat, stood, or moved about, I was aware of it being there, and a constant level of pain which directed my thoughts to Christ's Passion. Although it did hurt, it only left red marks on my skin, and didn't pierce it, or draw blood. After I removed it, I also used the discipline for the time it took me to recite the Miserere. I felt close to God throughout both penances, and it was a privilege to suffer for Christ in this way, and to offer my penance for the conversion of someone close to me.

Onne day last week, I wore my cilice for the last hour at work and then to journey ohome in, which involved quite a long walk. I have learned how to walk without limping whilst wearing it, which causes a great deal of pain. By the time I got home the pain was excruciating, but I was focusing on Jesus the whole time. The act of walking caused the cilice to move, and as a result I had a number of deep scratches on my leg from the spikes, some of which had punctured the skin. I now have faint scars. I'm not sure if I will do this again, but for that one time, it was necessary, I think!