While adult baptism was the norm at the end of the 4th century, sometimes there were exceptions. Moreover, as the Church increasingly encouraged earlier baptisms, so did the number of those needing to avail themselves of the possibility of reconciliation increase.

Links:

Painting of Saint Fabiola by Jean-Jacques Henner

Basil of Caesarea’s recommended penances for serious sins

Letter of Saint Jerome on Saint Fabiola

Ambrose’s Eulogy of Valentinian II – important in development of theology of Baptism of Desire

Ambrose on Penance – Book I and Book II

Apostolic Constitutions – Book VIII, Chapter 9 concerns penance

Check out the other great Catholic podcasts at the Starquest Production Network

To listen, just click on the link below:
#390 – A History of the Catholic Church – Penance