Private.
Private.
Private satisfaction is that by which we make satisfaction to a neighbor whom we have injured with words or deeds by asking for pardon of the offense and restoring what was taken. We claim that this satisfaction is necessary in true repentance, for even though before God it makes no compensation or propitiatory and meritorious satisfaction for sins, nevertheless it has been divinely commanded and is an indication of true repentance and love. “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first, be reconciled to your brother” (Matt. 5:23–24). Here pertains the common saying: “Sin is not forgiven unless that which has been taken away is restored” [Peccatum non remittitur, nisi ablatum restituatur]. Chrysostom: “If you have offended in thought, be reconciled by thought. If you have offended with words, be reconciled by words. If you have offended with works, be reconciled by work.”
** Furthermore, not only Bellarmine (De indulg., bk. 1, ch. 4) but also three popes besides (Pius V, Gregory XIII, and Clement VII) attack the opinion that our satisfactions only apply what Christ has earned. **