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Indulgence (Definition) ['Quick Help' Page]
How
To Obtain An Indulgence? ('Quick Help' Page)
What Indulgences Are Available On Any Given Day? ('Quick Help' Page)
Plenary Indulgence (Definition) ['Quick Help' Page]
Usual Conditions/Indulgences (Definition) ['Quick Help' Page]
Are Indulgences In The Raccolta Still Valid? ('Quick Help' Page)
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Just as the Church has
the power, given by Christ, to forgive sins ["Whose sins you
forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."
(Jn. 20:23)], she
also has the power to remit the penalties to due sin. This is where
indulgences come in. The following are some basic questions and answers
regarding indulgences.
Q.
What are Indulgences?
A.
An indulgence remits temporal punishment due to sin which is already
forgiven.
"Can. 992 An indulgence
is the remission before God of temporal punishment for sins whose guilt
is already forgiven, which a properly disposed member of the Christian
faithful gains under certain and defined conditions by the assistance of
the Church which as minister of redemption dispenses and applies
authoritatively the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the
saints." (1983 Code of Canon Law)
"An indulgence is
the remission in the eyes of God of the temporal punishment due to sins
whose culpable element has already been taken away. The Christian
faithful who are rightly disposed and observe the definite, prescribed
conditions gain this remission through the effective assistance of the
Church, which, as the minister of redemption, authoritatively
distributes and applies the treasury of the expiatory works of Christ
and the saints." (Norms for Indulgences)
Q.
Do indulgences forgive sin?
A.
No. Indulgences do not forgive sin, but remit punishment due to already
forgiven sin.
Q.
Why does one need indulgences?
A.
We need indulgences because we commit numerous sins each day [as
Scripture says, "For the just man falls seven times" (Prov.
24:16)]. Even when we confess our sins, the slight penances given in Confession are not sufficient to remit the temporal punishment due to sin and
leave a "debt of
justice" to God. If this debt is not paid here, it must be paid
after our death (e.g. in purgatory). Indulgences, drawn from the inexhaustible "Treasury" of the Church (which contains the merits of
Christ, his blessed Mother, and the saints), are a relatively easy way
of discharging the debt owed to God.
Q.
How does one obtain an indulgence? / What are the requirements?
A.
One may obtain an indulgence by having the proper intention,
being properly disposed, and properly performing the prescribed works (on
specified days, if so required). If one seeks a plenary indulgence, one
must also receive sacramental confession, worthily receive Holy Communion, pray
for the pope's intentions (e.g. reciting the Our Father and Hail Mary
for his intentions),
and be free from all attachment to sin (even venial). If a visit to a
church or oratory is prescribed, this may require a devout visit,
including recitation of the Lord's Prayer and Creed (unless the
indulgence requires otherwise).
As
stated in the 1983 Code of Canon Law: "Can. 996 §1. To be capable
of gaining indulgences, a person must be baptized, not excommunicated,
and in the state of grace at least at the end of the prescribed works.
§2. To gain indulgences, however, a capable subject must have at least
the general intention of acquiring them and must fulfill the enjoined
works in the established time and the proper method, according to the
tenor of the grant." And: "Can. 997 As regards the
granting and use of indulgences, the other prescripts contained in the
special laws of the Church must also be observed."
Q.
What is the difference between a plenary and a partial indulgence?
A.
A plenary indulgence is a
complete remission of all temporal punishment due to sin. A partial
indulgence frees a
person from some of the temporal punishment due to sin. As stated in the
1983 Code of Canon Law: "Can. 993 An indulgence
is partial or plenary insofar as it partially or totally frees from the
temporal punishment due to sins."
Q.
Where may I find a list of indulgences?
A.
You may scroll down (or click
here) to view some general indulgence information, however, you
should refer to an official list of approved indulgences for
complete and accurate information. For assistance in locating such information,
contact your parish or diocese (try
here for diocese contact information).
Q.
Are old indulgences still applicable?
A.
Only currently approved indulgences are still applicable. Note that
sweeping changes were made to the regulations for indulgences after the
Second Vatican Council.
Q.
What other changes were made since the Second Vatican Council?
A.
In the wake of the
Second Vatican Council, various changes were made to
the regulations for indulgences such as: a reduction in the number of plenary indulgences,
the suppression of many traditional indulgences, the elimination of
the distinction between real/personal indulgences, elimination of the measurement
of days/years for partial indulgences, and the reduction of the comprehensive
list of traditional & beautiful indulgenced prayers (e.g. in the Raccolta) to a small
number of prayers, and an increased emphasis on good works.
Q.
What does it mean when an indulgence is measured in days or years?
A.
Traditionally, partial indulgences were measured in days or years. This
time referred to an equivalent amount of days or years of penance that
would be remitted. For example, a 300 days indulgence would cancel out
the same amount of punishment that would have been remitted had one done
300 days of prescribed penance (e.g. the canonical penance in the early
Church). [Note that this refers to days of penance - not days in purgatory.]
This longstanding practice of measuring indulgences in days and years
was - some argue, very sadly - eliminated in the wake of the Second
Vatican Council.
Q.
Can a person in mortal sin obtain indulgences?
A.
No. One must be in the state of grace to receive indulgences. As St.
Thomas Aquinas states: "A dead member receives
no inflow from the other members that are living. But one who is in
mortal sin, is like a dead member. Therefore he receives no inflow,
through indulgences, from the merits of living members."
Q.
Do indulgences eliminate the need for Confession?
A.
Indulgences do not eliminate the need for or substitute for
Confession, but rather presuppose that one has already received sacramental
absolution in Confession (for those who were in a state of mortal sin).
Q.
Do indulgences eliminate the need for restitution?
A.
No. Indulgences do not eliminate the requirement of restitution,
but should be obtained in addition to making restitution. For example,
if someone were to steal an item from another, he should go to Confession (and receive sacramental absolution), restore the item (or
otherwise make full restitution), and obtain indulgences.
Q.
Can indulgences be applied to others, either living or dead?
A.
One may be able to apply indulgences to the dead (if allowed), but one cannot apply
indulgences to other living persons. As stated in the 1983 Code of Canon
Law: "Can. 994 Any member of
the faithful can gain partial or plenary indulgences for oneself or
apply them to the dead by way of suffrage." It should be noted that
it is an act of charity to gain indulgences for those in purgatory
and may even be considered our Christian duty to assist the poor souls (especially
one's deceased friends and relatives who may be languishing in the pains
of purgatory, unable to help themselves.) Note:
For more information on purgatory, try here
(Purgatory Release Project)
Q.
What does a "toties quoties" indulgence refer to?
A.
A "toties quoties" indulgence is one that may be gained as
often as one desires (and does the required works).
Q.
Can one obtain an indulgence in advance of sinning?
A.
No. Indulgences remit punishment only for already forgiven sin.
Indulgences do not pardon future sin!
Q.
Can indulgences be bought?
A.
Usually, indulgences consist in a certain work. In the past,
indulgences have allowed the giving of certain sums for various causes (e.g. to build churches). Although such practices may have led to
abuse, the concept of giving money for an indulgence is not contrary to
reason - just as a criminal might have to pay a fine rather than perform
community service. It is important to remember that the sins were
already forgiven and any money paid was not to forgive sins.
Q.
Who in the Church is authorized to grant indulgences?
A. Generally, the
pope grants indulgences. Bishops (or others, if permitted by the
pope) may be allowed to authorize certain, limited indulgences. As
stated in the 1983 Code of Canon Law: "Can. 995 §1. In
addition to the supreme authority of the Church, only those to whom this
power is acknowledged in the law or granted by the Roman Pontiff can
bestow indulgences. §2. No authority below the Roman Pontiff can
entrust the power of granting indulgences to others unless the Apostolic
See has given this expressly to the person." Note that, In the
Vatican, the Apostolic Penitentiary handles matters regarding
indulgences.
Q.
What can one do to help ensure that he/she gets all indulgences that may
be available on any given day?
A.
To obtain as many indulgences as possible each day, it is a good habit
to include with one's morning prayers a request for all that day's
indulgences. Remember that one must have at least a general intention of
gaining the indulgences in order to receive them. It is also advisable
to pray for the pope's intentions at that time. Of course, it will also
be necessary to perform the necessary works and satisfy the other
conditions to obtain the indulgences (see above).
Q.
What are some other facts / requirements concerning indulgences?
A.
The following are some additional facts / requirements concerning
indulgences:
-
The
language of prayers for indulgences is not limited to English or Latin, but
the translation must be
suitable and in accordance with the official guidelines for indulgences.
-
One
may be limited to the gaining of a single plenary
indulgence per day
(except at death).
-
One
may obtain multiple partial indulgences per day.
-
Acts
a person is already obliged to perform may not be indulgenced.
-
Indulgences may be adjusted for those with
impediments.
-
The
Church may change, suspend, cancel, or transfer indulgences, limit
them to certain areas or periods
of time, change the requirements, etc.
-
Indulgences
may be limited to the living only or may be limited to those in
purgatory.
-
For
information on certain new/special indulgences, try contacting
your parish / diocese or try the Vatican / Apostolic Penitentiary
website (try the Catholic
Web Links Section).
-
The
term "usual conditions" may refer to: "doing the good works
prescribed...receiving the sacraments
of Penance and the Eucharist and...praying for the intentions of the
pope." (Catholic Dictionary)
-
Generally,
Confession may be made and Holy Communion may be received within a
certain number of day(s) before or after the day in which the
works are to completed.
-
For
prayers, it may be necessary to "articulate them with the
lips" (but not necessary aloud).
-
Traditionally,
the intentions of the pope "are ordinarily; the common good of the Church, the spread of
the faith, conversion of sinners, heretics and schismatics, and peace;
it is not necessary to advert to these in detail." (Catholic
Dictionary)
|
"He who gains an
indulgence is not, strictly speaking, absolved from the debt of
punishment, but is given the means whereby he may pay it." (St.
Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in
the history of the Church")
"The effect of
sacramental absolution is the removal of a man's guilt, an effect which
is not produced by indulgences. But he who grants indulgences pays the
debt of punishment which a man owes, out of the common stock of the
Church's goods." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of
the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the
Church")
"Since the power of
granting indulgences was conferred by Christ on the Church, and she has
made use of such power divinely given to her, [cf. Matt. 16:19; 18:18]
even in the earliest times, the holy Synod teaches and commands that the
use of indulgences, most salutary to a Christian people and approved by
the authority of the sacred Councils, is to be retained in the Church,
and it condemns those with anathema who assert that they are useless or
deny that there is in the Church the power of granting them..."
(Council of Trent)
"We
must also thank God for all those indulgences...but we pay no
attention to them. We tread upon indulgences, one might say, as we
tread upon the sheaves of corn after the harvest. See, there are
seven years and seven quarantines for hearing the catechism, three
hundred days for reciting the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, the
Salve Regina, the Angelus. In short, the good God multiplies His
graces upon us; and how sorry we shall be at the end of our lives
that we did not profit by them!" (Catechism of the Cure of
Ars)
"Now one man can satisfy
for another... And the saints in whom
this super-abundance of satisfactions is found, did not perform their
good works for this or that particular person, who needs the remission
of his punishment (else he would have received this remission without
any indulgence at all), but they performed them for the whole Church in
general, even as the Apostle declares that he fills up 'those
things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ... for His body,
which is the Church' to whom he wrote (Colossians 1:24). These
merits, then, are the common property of the whole Church. Now those
things which are the common property of a number are distributed to the
various individuals according to the judgment of him who rules them all.
Hence, just as one man would obtain the remission of his punishment if
another were to satisfy for him, so would he too if another's
satisfactions be applied to him by one who has the power to do so."
(St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian
in the history of the Church")
"And
lest in the future anyone should allege ignorance of the doctrine
of the Roman Church concerning such indulgences...or excuse
himself under pretext of such ignorance, or aid himself by
pretended protestations, but that these same persons may be
convicted as guilty of notorious lying and be justly condemned, we
have decided that you should be informed by these presents that
the Roman Church, which the other churches are bound to follow as
their mother, has decreed that the Roman Pontiff, the successor of
Peter the key bearer, and the Vicar of Jesus Christ on earth, by
the power of the keys, to which it belongs to open the kingdom of
heaven, by removing the obstacles in the faithful of Christ
(namely the fault and punishment due to actual sins, the fault by
means of the sacrament of penance, but the temporal punishment due
for actual sins according to divine justice by means of the
indulgence of the Church), for the same reasonable causes can
concede indulgences from the superabundant merits of Christ and
the saints to these same faithful of Christ, who belong to Christ
by the charity that joins the members, whether they be in this
life or in purgatory; and by granting an indulgence by apostolic
authority to the living as well as to the dead, has been
accustomed to dispense from the treasury of the merits of Jesus
Christ and the saints, and by means of absolution to confer that
same indulgence or to transfer it by means of suffrage. And for
that reason that all, the living as well as the dead, who have
truly gained such indulgences, are freed from such temporal
punishment due for their actual sins according to divine justice,
as is equivalent to the indulgence granted and acquired. And thus
by apostolic authority in accordance with the tenor of these
letters we decree that it should be held by all and be preached
under punishment of excommunication, of a sentence [automatically]
imposed [latae sententiae]..." (Pope Leo X, 1518 A.D.)
"All
admit that indulgences have some value, for it would be blasphemy
to say that the Church does anything in vain. But some say that
they do not avail to free a man from the debt of punishment which
he has deserved in Purgatory according to God's judgment, and that
they merely serve to free him from the obligation imposed on him
by the priest as a punishment for his sins, or from the canonical
penalties he has incurred. But this opinion does not seem to be
true. First, because it is expressly opposed to the privilege
granted to Peter, to whom it was said (Matthew 16:19) that
whatsoever he should loose on earth should be loosed also in
heaven. Wherefore whatever remission is granted in the court of
the Church holds good in the court of God. Moreover the Church by
granting such indulgences would do more harm than good, since, by
remitting the punishment she had enjoined on a man, she would
deliver him to be punished more severely in Purgatory. Hence we
must say on the contrary that indulgences hold good both in the
Church's court and in the judgment of God, for the remission of
the punishment which remains after contrition, absolution, and
confession, whether this punishment be enjoined or not. The reason
why they so avail is the oneness of the mystical body in which
many have performed works of satisfaction exceeding the
requirements of their debts; in which, too, many have patiently
borne unjust tribulations whereby a multitude of punishments would
have been paid, had they been incurred. So great is the quantity
of such merits that it exceeds the entire debt of punishment due
to those who are living at this moment: and this is especially due
to the merits of Christ: for though He acts through the
sacraments, yet His efficacy is nowise restricted to them, but
infinitely surpasses their efficacy." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor
of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the
Church")
|
Also
See:
Purgatory
Release Project
[top]
Some
Plenary Indulgences May Include...*
Alphabetical
Listing Below
(Click Here
For Listing by Date)
|
Item
to be Done |
When |
Comment |
|
Act
of Dedication to Christ the King (specified
prayer) |
Solemnity
of our Lord, Jesus Christ the King |
public
recitation |
|
Act
of Family Consecration |
Day
of First Consecration |
requires
devout recitation of approved prayer before indicated image [Note:
If possible, consecration should be done by priest] |
|
Act
of Reparation to the Sacred Heart (specified
prayer) |
Solemnity
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus |
public
recitation |
|
Adoration
of the Blessed Sacrament |
Any
time |
for
at least a half hour |
|
Adoration
of the Cross |
Good
Friday |
during
the liturgy |
|
Apostolic
Blessing (unless priest cannot be present) |
When
in Danger of Death |
a
priest who administers the sacraments should impart the apostolic
blessing (if a priest is unavailable, the indulgence may nevertheless
be received by those properly disposed, if they had the habit of
prayer during their lifetime) |
|
Bishop's
Jubilee Mass |
N/A |
for
bishops celebrating 25th, 40th, or 50th anniversary of their
episcopal
ordination who renew promises regarding their office (also
available
to the faithful who devoutly assist at jubilee Mass celebrations) |
|
Cemetery
Visit |
11/1-11/8 |
devout
visit, requires prayer for the dead (applicable to souls in
purgatory)
|
|
Eucharistic
Congresses |
N/A |
applicable
participation
in solemn Eucharistic rite (typically held at the conclusion of a
Eucharistic congress) |
|
First
Holy Communion |
At
Your Or Another's First Communion |
one's
first Holy Communion, or those devoutly assisting at the first Communion
of another |
|
Papal
Blessings |
N/A |
may
even apply to blessings received via radio or television |
|
Participation
in a Mission |
N/A |
for
those who hear some of the sermons and are present at the solemn
conclusion |
|
Participation
in Prayers & Devotions Held in Honor of Divine Mercy in a
Church or Chapel |
Divine
Mercy Sunday (Sunday After Easter) |
instead
of the prescribed work, one may "in the presence of the
Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite
the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the
merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. 'Merciful Jesus, I trust in
you!')" (Apostolic Penitentiary) |
|
Participation in Solemn
Eucharistic Procession |
Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ |
devout
participation in procession held inside or outside a
church, of greatest importance |
|
Pastoral Visitation |
N/A |
requires participation in sacred functions presided over by the visitator |
|
Prayer
before a Crucifix
(specified
prayer) |
Fridays
in Lent |
devout
recitation before a crucifix, after Holy Communion |
|
Priest's
First Mass (with a congregation) |
First
Mass of a Priest (with a congregation) |
for
the priest and faithful |
|
Priest's
Jubilee Mass |
N/A |
for
priests celebrating 25th, 50th, 60th, or 70th anniversary of their
ordination who renew promises regarding their vocation (also
available
to the faithful who devoutly assist at jubilee Mass celebrations) |
|
Recitation
of Specified Verses (Tantum ergo) |
Holy
Thursday |
after
Mass on Holy Thursday, during solemn reposition of Blessed
Sacrament |
|
Recitation
of the Rosary |
Any
time |
devout
recitation, five
uninterrupted decades (including meditation, vocal prayer, and
proper annunciation of the mysteries), in
a church or oratory or in a family, religious community or other
applicable gathering (or in union with the pope via live radio/TV
broadcast) |
|
Renewal
of Baptismal Vows |
Easter
Vigil or Anniversary of Baptism |
at
the celebration of the Easter Vigil or one's own anniversary of
Baptism, using approved formula |
|
Retreats |
N/A |
a
minimum of three
full days of spiritual exercises during a retreat |
|
Scripture
Reading |
Any
time |
reverent
reading of approved translation for
at least a half hour under specified conditions [Note: Those
unable to read Scripture "for some good reason" may gain
the indulgence by listening to another read Scripture or by
listening to an audio/video recording.] |
|
Stations
of the Cross (Way of the Cross) |
Any
time (Often during Lent) |
devoutly
before lawfully erected stations, including devout meditation and
progression from station to station (as applicable) [or in union
with the pope via live radio/TV broadcast] |
|
Te
Deum
(specified
prayer) |
12/31 |
devout
assistance at recitation or solemn singing in thanksgiving for
gifts received throughout the year |
|
Use
of Devotional Object Blessed by the Pope or a Bishop |
Solemnity
of the Holy Apostles, Peter and Paul |
prayerful
use, also
requires profession of faith |
|
Veni,
Creator (specified prayer) |
1/1
& Solemnity of Pentecost |
devout
assistance at recitation or solemn singing (on 1/1, to implore
divine assistance for the year) |
|
Visit
to Church or Altar on its Day of Dedication |
Church's
or Altar's Day of Dedication |
including
devout recitation of Lord's Prayer (Our Father) & Creed |
|
Visit
to Church or Oratory |
11/2
(All
Souls Day) [Or, may be transferred to preceding/following
Sunday or 11/1 at judgment of ordinary] |
devout
visit, including Lord's Prayer (Our Father) & Creed
(applicable to souls in purgatory) |
|
Visiting
Church During Diocesan Synod |
N/A |
requires
visiting
church where synod is held, recitation of the Lord's Prayer (Our
Father) & Creed |
|
Visiting
Church or Oratory of Religious |
Day
Dedicated to Founder [date of liturgical memorial] |
including
devout recitation of Lord's Prayer (Our Father) & Creed |
|
Visiting
Parish Church |
8/2
or on church's titular feast day |
visit
to parish church, including devout recitation of Lord's Prayer (Our Father) & Creed |
|
Visiting
Patriarchal
Basilicas in Rome |
N/A |
visit
to basilica, including devout recitation of Lord's Prayer (Our Father) & Creed
(under specified conditions) |
|
Visiting
Stational Church |
Specified
Days |
on
designated day when also participating in certain services
there |
* Reminder:
Above is not comprehensive. All items subject to change, transfer,
cancellation, etc. We make no guarantees regarding any item
herein.
[top]
Listed
Below By
Date ("When") (Click
Here For Alphabetical
Listing)
|
When |
Item
to be Done |
Comment |
|
Any
time |
Adoration
of the Blessed Sacrament |
for
at least a half hour |
|
Any
time |
Recitation
of the Rosary |
devout
recitation, five
uninterrupted decades (including meditation, vocal prayer, and
proper annunciation of the mysteries), in
a church or oratory or in a family, religious community or other
applicable gathering (or in union with the pope via live radio/TV
broadcast) |
|
Any
time |
Scripture
Reading |
reverent
reading of approved translation for
at least a half hour under specified conditions [Note: Those
unable to read Scripture "for some good reason" may gain
the indulgence by listening to another read Scripture or by
listening to an audio/video recording.] |
|
Any
time (Often during Lent) |
Stations
of the Cross (Way of the Cross) |
devoutly
before lawfully erected stations, including devout meditation and
progression from station to station (as applicable) [or in union
with the pope via live radio/TV broadcast] |
|
At
Your Or Another's First Communion |
First
Holy Communion |
one's
first Holy Communion, or those devoutly assisting at the first Communion
of another |
|
Church's
or Altar's Day of Dedication |
Visit
to Church or Altar on its Day of Dedication |
including
devout recitation of Lord's Prayer (Our Father) & Creed |
|
Day
Dedicated to Founder [date of liturgical memorial] |
Visiting
Church or Oratory of Religious |
including
devout recitation of Lord's Prayer (Our Father) & Creed |
|
Day
of First Consecration |
Act
of Family Consecration |
requires
devout recitation of approved prayer before indicated image [Note:
If possible, consecration should be done by priest] |
|
Divine
Mercy Sunday (Sunday After Easter) |
Participation
in Prayers & Devotions Held in Honor of Divine Mercy in a
Church or Chapel |
instead
of the prescribed work, one may "in the presence of the
Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite
the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the
merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. 'Merciful Jesus, I trust in
you!')" (Apostolic Penitentiary) |
|
Easter
Vigil or Anniversary of Baptism |
Renewal
of Baptismal Vows |
at
the celebration of the Easter Vigil or one's own anniversary of
Baptism, using approved formula |
|
First
Mass of a Priest (with a congregation) |
Priest's
First Mass (with a congregation) |
for
the priest and faithful |
|
Fridays
in Lent |
Prayer
before a Crucifix
(specified
prayer) |
devout
recitation before a crucifix, after Holy Communion |
|
Good
Friday |
Adoration
of the Cross |
during
the liturgy |
|
Holy
Thursday |
Recitation
of Specified Verses (Tantum ergo) |
after
Mass on Holy Thursday, during solemn reposition of Blessed
Sacrament |
|
Solemnity
of our Lord, Jesus Christ the King |
Act
of Dedication to Christ the King (specified
prayer) |
public
recitation |
|
Solemnity
of the Body and Blood of Christ |
Participation
in Solemn Eucharistic Procession |
devout
participation in procession held inside or outside a
church, of greatest importance |
|
Solemnity
of the Holy Apostles, Peter and Paul |
Use
of Devotional Object Blessed by the Pope or a Bishop |
prayerful
use, also
requires profession of faith |
|
Solemnity
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus |
Act
of Reparation to the Sacred Heart (specified
prayer) |
public
recitation |
|
Specified
Days |
Visiting
Stational Church |
on
designated day when also participating in certain services
there |
|
When
in Danger of Death |
Apostolic
Blessing (unless priest cannot be present) |
a
priest who administers the sacraments should impart the apostolic
blessing (if a priest is unavailable, the indulgence may nevertheless
be received by those properly disposed, if they had the habit of
prayer during their lifetime) |
|
1/1
& Solemnity of Pentecost |
Veni,
Creator (specified prayer) |
devout
assistance at recitation or solemn singing (on 1/1, to implore
divine assistance for the year) |
|
8/2
or on church's titular feast day |
Visiting
Parish Church |
visit
to parish church, including devout recitation of Lord's Prayer (Our Father) & Creed |
|
11/1-11/8 |
Cemetery
Visit |
devout
visit, requires prayer for the dead (applicable to souls in
purgatory)
|
|
11/2
(All Souls Day) [Or, may be transferred to
preceding/following Sunday or 11/1 at judgment of ordinary] |
Visit
to Church or Oratory |
devout
visit, including Lord's Prayer (Our Father) & Creed
(applicable to souls in purgatory) |
|
12/31 |
Te
Deum
(specified
prayer) |
devout
assistance at recitation or solemn singing in thanksgiving for
gifts received throughout the year |
|
N/A |
Bishop's
Jubilee Mass |
for
bishops celebrating 25th, 40th, or 50th anniversary of their
episcopal
ordination who renew promises regarding their office (also
available
to the faithful who devoutly assist at jubilee Mass celebrations) |
|
N/A |
Eucharistic
Congresses |
applicable
participation
in solemn Eucharistic rite (typically held at the conclusion of a
Eucharistic congress) |
|
N/A |
Papal
Blessings |
may
even apply to blessings received via radio or television |
|
N/A |
Participation
in a Mission |
for
those who hear some of the sermons and are present at the solemn
conclusion |
|
N/A |
Pastoral
Visitation |
requires participation in sacred functions
presided over by the visitator |
|
N/A |
Priest's
Jubilee Mass |
for
priests celebrating 25th, 50th, 60th, or 70th anniversary of their
ordination who renew promises regarding their vocation (also
available
to the faithful who devoutly assist at jubilee Mass celebrations) |
|
N/A |
Retreats |
a
minimum of three
full days of spiritual exercises during a retreat |
|
N/A |
Visiting
Church During Diocesan Synod |
requires
visiting
church where synod is held, recitation of the Lord's Prayer (Our
Father) & Creed |
|
N/A |
Visiting
Patriarchal
Basilicas in Rome |
visit
to basilica, including devout recitation of Lord's Prayer (Our Father) & Creed
(under specified conditions) |
* Reminder:
Above is not comprehensive. All items subject to change, transfer,
cancellation, etc. We make no guarantees regarding any item
herein.
[top]
Some
Partial Indulgences May Include...
Recitation
of Prayers/Hymns:
Act
of Contrition
Act
of Dedication to Christ the King (specified prayer)
Act
of Faith, Hope and Charity
Act
of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (specified prayer)
Act
of Spiritual Communion
Act
of Thanksgiving After Communion
Angelus
/ Regina Caeli (at stated times)
Anima
Christi (after Holy Communion, in thanksgiving)
Apostles'
Creed
Confiteor
De
Profundis (Psalm)
Gradual
or Penitential Psalms
Litany
of St. Joseph
Litany
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Litany
of the Holy Name of Jesus
Litany
of the Precious Blood
Litany
of the Sacred Heart
Litany
of the Saints
Little
Office of St. Joseph
Little
Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Little
Office of the Immaculate Conception
Little
Office of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Little
Office of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Magnificat
Memorare
Miserere
(Psalm)
Prayer
for Benefactors (approved prayer) (under indicated conditions)
Prayer
for the Pope (approved prayer) (under indicated conditions)
Prayer
for Unity (approved prayer)
Prayer
in Honor of Saint / Blessed (on memorial day of saint / blessed, in
their honor, prayer from Missal or other approved prayer)
Prayer
to One's Guardian Angel (approved prayer)
Prayer
to St. Joseph (approved prayer)
Rosary
(5 decades)
Salve
Regina (Hail, Holy Queen)
Sancti
Apostoli Petre et Paule
Sub
Tuum Praesidium
And
certain other indicated prayers
Also:
Aspirations
/ Invocations (under certain conditions)
Cemetery
Visits (with prayer) [for the souls in Purgatory]
Certain
Good Works (under specified conditions)
Certain
Public Novenas
Devout
Mental Prayer
Devout
Use of Devotional Objects (blessed)
Examination
of Conscience (with purpose of amendment)
Giving
Explicit Witness to One's Faith Before Others (under specified conditions)
Listening
to Preaching of the Word of God (under specified conditions)
Month
of Recollection
Prayer
to Jesus Present in the Blessed Sacrament (approved prayer)
Prayers
at Certain Times (e.g. beginning and end of day, start and completion of
work, before and after meals, under specified conditions)
Recitation
of Lauds or Vespers from Office of the Dead [for the souls in
Purgatory]
Renewal
of Baptismal Vows
Signing
Self with
the Sign of the Cross (with customary wording, devoutly)
Studying
or Teaching Christian Doctrine
Visits
to Catacombs
Visits
to the Blessed Sacrament for Adoration
Voluntary
Abstinence From Things Lawful/Pleasing (under specified conditions)
Further,
if the above plenary indulgences are not received as plenary,
they may be received as partial.
Reminder:
Above is not comprehensive. All items subject to change, transfer,
cancellation, etc. Not all conditions may be indicated above. We make no guarantees regarding any item
herein.
Indulgences
(Catholic Basics Reflections)
Purgatory
(Catholic Basics Reflections)
Purgatory
Release Project
Prayers,
Novenas & Hymns
Sacramentals
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Important
Notice:
Items herein are provided for informational purposes only and
are not comprehensive. Translation / wording may vary. Items
herein may be partial and may be categorized subjectively. We do
not guarantee accuracy or completeness of any item herein. We
may change wording, punctuation, capitalization, shorten items,
etc. We make no guarantees regarding any item herein. Not an
official listing. All items subject to change without notice. We
are not responsible for updating any information herein, even if
we know it is outdated / inaccurate / etc. We are not authorized
to give official information on indulgences and cannot guarantee
translation of any prayers (even prayers appearing on this
site). Contact appropriate Church authorities for current
indulgence information, approval status of prayers / devotions,
proper translation of prayers, etc. By using this site you
indicate agreement to all terms. For more terms information,
click
here.
We make no guarantees regarding any item herein. By using this site you
indicate agreement to all terms. For terms information, see
"Important Notice" above and click
here.
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