Does penitence is an act of repentance or regret for a wrong or misdeed. It is often expressed through acts of contrition such as prayer, fasting, or other forms of self-denial. The term ATONES, which is the solution to the crossword puzzle, means to make amends for a wrong or to make up for a mistake. Therefore, when someone does penitence, they are expressing remorse and attempting to make up for their wrongs.