IndulgencesWhat, when, how and why?

What is an indulgence?

An Indulgence is a remission, granted by the Church, of the temporal punishment which often remains due to sin after its guilt has been forgiven.Note: the temporal punishment is what the purification in purgatory is achieving

What is Purgatory?

Purgatory is the state of those who die in God’s friendship, assured of their eternal salvation, but who still have need of purification to enter into the happiness of heaven.

How can I help the souls being purified in Purgatory?

Because of the communion of saints, the faithful who are still pilgrims on earth are able to help the souls in purgatory by offering prayers in suffrage for them, especially the Eucharistic sacrifice. They also help them by almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance.

Two types of Indulgences

“Plenary” indulgences remit all of the existing temporal punishment due for the individual’s sins. An individual can only earn one plenary indulgence per day. “Partial” indulgences remit only a part of the existing punishment.

What acts can earn an indulgence?

A partial indulgence is granted the Christian faithful who devoutly spend time in mental prayer. A plenary indulgence is granted when the rosary is recited in a church or oratory or when it is recited in a family, a religious community, or a pious association. A partial indulgence is granted for its recitation in all other circumstances. A partial indulgence is granted the Christian faithful who read sacred Scripture with the veneration due God’s word and as a form of spiritual reading. The indulgence will be a plenary one when such reading is done for at least one-half hour [provided the other conditions are met].

What acts can earn an indulgence?

A partial indulgence is granted to the Christian faithful who devoutly sign themselves with the cross while saying the customary formula: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." A partial indulgence is granted for the recitation of the Angelus. A partial indulgence is granted to Christian faithful who on day of the liturgical feast of any saint recite in that Saint's honour and prayer taken from the Missal or other prayer approved by legitimate authority.

Is that all?

In addition to the acts stated a Plenary indulgence also requires:

reconciliation, which is required for all indulgences receiving the Eucharistcomplete renunciation of all attachment to sin, including venial sin. pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. An Our Father and a Hail Mary said for the intentions of the Pontiff is sufficient, although you are free to substitute other prayers of your own choice.

Summary – (please copy) Indulgence will assist you to be purified in purgatory fasterThere are two main types of indulgences: Plenary (full) and PartialMaking the sign of the cross, praying the Rosary or Angelus, or reading scriptures can bring about indulgencesYou should also go to reconciliation, receive the Eucharist, renounce all sin and pray for the Popes intention for the indulgence to take affect