The antecedents of the plenary indulgence date back to the third century. But today they have little to do with the practices carried out in ancient Christianity. Although it retains theological and historical interest.
Since 1983, the Code of Canon Law (can. 992) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1471) have defined indulgence in this way:
"An indulgence is the remission before God of the temporal punishment for sins, already forgiven, as to guilt, which a faithful willing and fulfilling certain conditions obtains through the mediation of the Church, which, as the administrator of redemption, distributes and applies with authority the treasure of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints."
It is called plenary indulgence because it fully suppresses this temporal punishment for sins committed and confessed up to that moment.
When a Christian commits a sin and repents, God forgives his or her sins, by means of the sacrament of confession. Even so, there remains a pending responsibility for the consequences that the sin has had for the same person or for others, or even for society in general. This consequence is called a temporal penalty and is a debt that persists and must be paid, either in this life or in Purgatory.
It is called plenary indulgence because it fully suppresses this temporal punishment for sins committed and confessed up to that moment.
Temporary punishment can be reduced through the performance of good works, prayer, Christian acceptance of suffering and the reception of indulgence, which can be partial or plenary.
The Plenary Indulgence offers the repentant and confessed sinner the benefit of totally eliminating the debt he has owed during his life in this world up to that moment. This fully abolishes the penalty to be paid for sins committed and confessed up to that moment. In the absence of plenary indulgence, this penalty would be paid in only two ways: with the sufferings and good works of this life or with a time in purgatory.
On the other hand, partial indulgence removes the temporary penalty partially. We obtain it very often. By giving ourselves a blessing; by praying the Angelus, the Magnificat; by visiting the Blessed Sacrament for a while; by praying the Creed; by making an examination of conscience; by ask for the dead.
Throughout time, the Church has determined different ways to attain the plenary indulgence. There are some that can be done at any time: half an hour of adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament, praying the Stations of the Cross, pray the rosary in family or community, read the Bible.
We must distinguish between guilt and sorrow. When we sin, that is, when we do wrong against God, the Church, ourselves and/or others, guilt is our responsibility. The penalty, on the other hand, is the consequence of that sin. In confession, God erases the guilt of our sins and part of the penalty that we should serve after death. Throughout life and depending on our sins, there always remains a part of the penalty to be expiated, that penalty that cannot be erased by confession.
You can receive one plenary indulgence per day and ask for it for your soul or for a deceased person.
The Church also allows Catholics to gain a plenary indulgence for the souls of family members or loved ones who are in the purgatory. You can offer for a deceased person by following the steps below:
You cannot offer your indulgence for someone who is still alive, even if they are sickfor your time is not up.
Yes, during the last week of the LentIn addition, it is possible to obtain plenary indulgence by performing the acts mentioned above. And also by performing different enriched works, only available during Holy Week:
There are also plenary indulgences for specific moments as happened in the year of faith, where one could visit a Papal Basilica and visit a baptistery or the Jubilee year of mercy, where by performing works of piety, mercy or penance one gained an indulgence.
Today and during the coronavirus pandemicOn March 20, the Holy Father announced three special plenary indulgences for people infected with AIDS-19 and for those who care for them, including family members and medical personnel, and for all those who pray for them.
The Apostolic Penitentiary also reminds the faithful of the possibility of collective absolution in this time of health emergency. Different forms of plenary indulgence can be obtained:
It can be obtained by:
This first plenary indulgence can be obtained by those mentioned above who, with a spirit detached from all sin, offer this trial in a spirit of faith in God and charity towards their brothers and sisters, and with a willingness to fulfill the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father) as soon as possible, either, that they spiritually join in the celebration of the Holy Mass through the media The participants pray the Holy Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer and make a pious invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A second plenary indulgence is available to all the faithful for the duration of the current pandemic under the same conditions, i.e., with the willingness to obtain sacramental absolution, receive Holy Communion and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father as soon as possible.
This second plenary can be obtained by whom:
Third
A third plenary indulgence is available to the faithful on the verge of death. The dying faithful can receive the indulgence if they are properly disposed, that is, have a spirit detached from all sin. In this case, the Church supplements the three usual conditions required (confession, Holy Communion and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father). The use of the crucifix or cross is recommended for this indulgence.
As we see it is not a difficult task to attain plenary indulgence, this is the key to Heaven. Get going and try to get yours today.
On March 12, 1742 Benedict XIV granted plenary indulgence to the medal of St. Benedict if the person fulfills the following conditions:
The medal of St. Benedict is recognized because today it bears his name, and contains on both sides several symbols to which power over evil is attributed.
Today it is believed that the symbolism of the medal is due to a particular moment in the life of the saint. Benedict was living as a hermit in a cave. He was famous for his holiness, so a religious community asked him to take over as Abbot. But some monks did not agree with the discipline he demanded of them. So they tried to kill him with poisoned bread and wine. But St. Benedict made the sign of the cross over these things and knew they were poisoned.
On March 12, 1742, Benedict XIV granted a plenary indulgence to the medal of St. Benedict if the person complies with the following conditions aforementioned conditions and during major holidays
The great feasts established to obtain this grace are:
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary regarding the granting of special indulgences to the faithful in the current pandemic situation, 20.03.2020
