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
By sbeshonertor
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Posted in Imperial Church, Podcast, Sacraments
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Also tagged Ambrose of Milan, Apollo of Scetis, Augustine of Hippo, Baptism, Basil the Great, Fabiola, Jerome, Nectarius of Constantinople, Valentinian II
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Increasing numbers of Christians and the legalization of Christianity under Constantine motivate changes in the religious practice of the Christians – especially in the rites of Baptism, Chrismation and the Eucharist. We also look at changes in the practice of Penance and other practices that will later become known as Sacraments.
Links:
Image of the baptistry in Milan where Ambrose baptized Augustine – by Fr. Gaurav Shroff
Catechetical Lectures of Cyril of Jerusalem – the Mystagogical Lectures on Baptism, Chrismation and Eucharist begin with #19.
Send e-mail questions and comments to catholicunderthehood@gmail.com
Check out the other great Catholic podcasts at the Starquest Production Network
To listen, just click on the link below:
#347 – A History of the Catholic Church – The Mysteries
catholicunderthehood.com 
