The surest, easiest, and shortest way to heaven is by martyrdom for the Faith. One has to be in a state of grace to receive the Holy Eucharist so if one is ‘afraid of penance’ (the sacrament of Confession), one cannot worthily receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. The salvation of souls is a surprisingly mechanical process.
"As explained by the Church, whatever the soul loses by venial sins can be totally restored through Holy Communion" --
Fr. John A. Hardon.
Mortal sins, however, must be removed by the Sacrament of Confession to be able to receive the Most Holy Eucharist with grace. Possibly St. Pius the X was referring to those who have venial, but not mortal sins, when he said the "surest, easiest, and shortest way to heaven is by the Eucharist." There's certainly nothing easy about "martyrdom" at the onset anyway.
I am afraid of Penance myself, and although obviously the more you go, the better you feel, if I haven't mortally sinned, the Eucharist still not only provides me with grace, but eliminates my venial sins as well. Daily reception of the Eucharist just can't be beat! I go with St. Pius X on this one.
I am afraid of Penance myself I'm not trying to be hurtful, but what is there to be afraid of? Penance is usually saying some prayers after confession, it's not like you're going to be flogged for your sins.
All sin is sin - there is only one payment for any sin. The "wages of sin is death" - not prayers, not receiving communion (which is meant to be done in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice), not good works, not anything but DEATH. Jesus paid the price for our sins by his death in our place. Salvation is God's gift of grace (undeserved mercy).